Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Tampa is 55% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,567/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 36%
$71,302/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 32%
$375,300 ↑ 59%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 37%
$1,553/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 33%
393,389
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $562/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $6,744/year.

Median household income is $22,766/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Tampa or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $562/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $22,766/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Alabama?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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 Tampa details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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