Cost of Living: Tuscaloosa, AL vs Allen, TX (2026)

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Tuscaloosa is 64% cheaper than Allen.

$1,005/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 87%
$48,536/yr ↓ 62%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 166%
$236,600 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 82%
$1,038/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 101%
107,699
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tuscaloosa, AL and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $872/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $10,464/year.

Median household income is $80,594/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tuscaloosa is $236,600 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tuscaloosa vs Allen — common questions

Is Tuscaloosa or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tuscaloosa and Allen?
Median rent in Tuscaloosa is $1,005/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $872/month.
Which city has higher income, Tuscaloosa or Allen?
Median household income is $48,536 in Tuscaloosa and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $80,594/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Texas?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Tuscaloosa or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,005/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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