Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Virginia Beach is 60% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,649/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 39%
$90,685/yr ↑ 87%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 46%
$366,300 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 35%
$1,704/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 39%
457,066
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $644/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $7,728/year.

Median household income is $42,149/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Tuscaloosa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $644/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $42,149/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Alabama?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/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 Virginia Beach details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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