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

Tyler

Texas
79
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Tyler is 6% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,199/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 16%
$65,527/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 26%
$216,400 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$236,600 ↑ 9%
$1,170/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 11%
107,718
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tyler, TX and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $194/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $2,328/year.

Median household income is $16,991/year higher in Tyler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tyler is $216,400 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tyler vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Tyler or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tyler and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Tyler is $1,199/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $194/month.
Which city has higher income, Tyler or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $65,527 in Tyler and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $16,991/year higher in Tyler.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Alabama?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Tyler or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Tyler has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,199/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.
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