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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Tucson is 4% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,079/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 7%
$54,546/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 11%
$242,200 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 2%
$1,076/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 4%
543,348
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

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $74/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $888/year.

Median household income is $6,010/year higher in Tucson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Tucson or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $74/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $6,010/year higher in Tucson.
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 Tucson or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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 Tucson details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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