salaryTuscaloosa is the 5th-largest city in Alabama that we track, with 111,038 residents. Rent is lower than in 73% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs about 4.6 years of household income. Commutes are short, about 19.6 minutes. Most households rent (57%), so there are plenty of rental options.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $49,920 a year. That is $24 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Alabama cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of Alabama. It is number 67 of 120 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in Tuscaloosa?
Share of households by yearly income. 18.4% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Tuscaloosa
| Size | Tuscaloosa | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $912 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $921 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,123 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,230 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,497 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Tuscaloosa overall?
Everyday prices in the Tuscaloosa metro area are 12% below the U.S. average (index 87.7, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Tuscaloosa
Life in Tuscaloosa
What jobs pay in Tuscaloosa
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $132,430 | 11.3% |
| Lawyer | $114,100 | 13.1% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $110,460 | 13.6% |
| Software Developer | $104,870 | 14.3% |
| Operations Manager | $101,210 | 14.8% |
| Physician Assistant | $101,120 | 14.8% |
| Civil Engineer | $92,230 | 16.2% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $87,140 | 17.2% |
| Registered Nurse | $75,250 | 19.9% |
| Accountant | $71,690 | 20.9% |
| Dental Hygienist | $60,500 | 24.8% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $60,220 | 24.9% |
| Electrician | $60,110 | 24.9% |
| Police Officer | $59,670 | 25.1% |
| Plumber | $59,530 | 25.2% |
| Firefighter | $58,400 | 25.6% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $55,360 | 27.1% |
| Market Research Analyst | $53,090 | 28.2% |
| Truck Driver | $50,190 | 29.8% |
| Carpenter | $48,870 | 30.6% |
| HVAC Technician | $48,430 | 30.9% |
| Customer Service Representative | $37,990 | 39.4% |
| Warehouse Worker | $36,480 | 41.1% |
| Medical Assistant | $35,930 | 41.7% |
| Nursing Assistant | $32,860 | 45.6% |
| Restaurant Cook | $30,690 | 48.8% |
| Retail Salesperson | $29,630 | 50.5% |
| Cashier | $28,110 | 53.3% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $26,930 | 55.6% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Tuscaloosa?
Renting is cheaper right now: about $525 a month less.
Owning assumes a typical $255,500 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $25,550 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Tuscaloosa, AL?
Renting in Tuscaloosa costs a median of about $1,248 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Alabama median is $1,175.
How much do I need to make to live in Tuscaloosa?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $49,920 a year, or $24 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Tuscaloosa cheap or expensive?
Tuscaloosa is rated OK: rent takes 27.0% of the typical household income of $55,504. It ranks 67th cheapest of 120 Alabama cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Tuscaloosa?
The median homeowner in Tuscaloosa pays $1,210 a year in property taxes, about 0.47% of the median home value.
Is Tuscaloosa more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 12% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Tuscaloosa?
The median home value in Tuscaloosa is $255,500, about 4.6 times the typical yearly household income.
111,038 people live in Tuscaloosa. Numbers are typical (middle) values.