Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Tacoma is 73% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,597/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 37%
$83,857/yr ↑ 73%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 42%
$454,600 ↑ 92%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 48%
$1,747/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 41%
220,482
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $592/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $7,104/year.

Median household income is $35,321/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Tacoma or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $592/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $35,321/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Alabama?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Tacoma details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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