Cost of Living: Wilmington, NC vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Wilmington

North Carolina
100
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Wilmington is 37% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,311/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 23%
$63,900/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 24%
$350,300 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 32%
$1,371/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 24%
118,578
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wilmington, NC and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $306/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $3,672/year.

Median household income is $15,364/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wilmington is $350,300 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wilmington vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Wilmington or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wilmington and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Wilmington is $1,311/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $306/month.
Which city has higher income, Wilmington or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $63,900 in Wilmington and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $15,364/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Alabama?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% 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 Wilmington or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,311/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 Wilmington details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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