Cost of Living in Tuscaloosa, AL
Population 107,699 · Alabama · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Tuscaloosa lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $237,000 — 22% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Alabama. Around 24% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Tuscaloosa
The median home value in Tuscaloosa is $236,600 — 22% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,005/month, 24% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,536/year is 35% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. Alabama's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 9.2%. Overall, Tuscaloosa has a cost of living index of 77 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 23% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Tuscaloosa, AL?
Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 77 (100 = national average). It is 23% below the national average.
What is average rent in Tuscaloosa, AL?
The median gross rent in Tuscaloosa is $1,005 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Tuscaloosa?
The median home value in Tuscaloosa is $236,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Tuscaloosa?
The median household income in Tuscaloosa is $48,536 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Tuscaloosa, AL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Tuscaloosa is 9.2%. The Alabama state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Tuscaloosa, AL affordable?
Yes, Tuscaloosa is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 77 — about 23% below the US national average of 100.
Tuscaloosa at a Glance
- Population
- 107,699
- Median Income
- $48,536
- Home Value
- $236,600
- Median Rent
- $1,005/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.0%
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
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Alabama Rankings
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