Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Tempe is 64% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,623/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 38%
$77,643/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 37%
$421,900 ↑ 78%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 44%
$1,554/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 33%
186,419
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $618/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $7,416/year.

Median household income is $29,107/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Tempe slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Tempe or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $618/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $29,107/year higher in Tempe.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Alabama?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Tempe or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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