Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Worcester is 42% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,415/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 29%
$67,544/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 28%
$339,500 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 30%
$1,521/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 32%
205,501
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $410/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $4,920/year.

Median household income is $19,008/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Worcester or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $410/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $19,008/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Alabama?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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