Tuscaloosa, AL, US
Home of the University of Alabama, with a lively college atmosphere and affordable housing.
Overview
Tuscaloosa is a city in AL with a population of 100,000. Home of the University of Alabama, with a lively college atmosphere and affordable housing. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6a growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. The population skews young, with a median age of 28.2.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Below Average vs US Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Tuscaloosa vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 5.0%
- Sales Tax: 10.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $52,000
- Unemployment: 3.0%
- Population: 100,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 210/year
- Summer High: 91°F
- Winter Low: 37°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a
Housing
- Median Home: $250,000
- 1BR Rent: $1050/mo
Cost of Living
Tuscaloosa's cost of living index is 90 (US average = 100).
| Category | Tuscaloosa | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 90 | 100 | -10.0% |
| Housing | 98 | 100 | -2.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $250,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1050/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,313/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $166 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Tuscaloosa:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $107 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $48 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $14 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $45 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $65 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $25 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $304 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Tuscaloosa scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Tuscaloosa has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 57°F | 37°F | 2.5" |
| April | 76°F | 52°F | 2.8" |
| July | 91°F | 66°F | 1.5" |
| October | 71°F | 55°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Tuscaloosa faces the following natural hazards:
Dixie Alley with frequent tornadoes.
Black Warrior River flooding.
Summer heat waves.
Gulf Coast affected by hurricanes.
Wildfire risk in forested areas.
Periodic drought conditions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 5%
- Sales Tax: 10%
- Property Tax: ~0.4% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Tuscaloosa is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Tuscaloosa, AL, US?
The cost of living index in Tuscaloosa is 90, which is Lower the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Tuscaloosa?
The median home price in Tuscaloosa is $250,000. The housing index is 98.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Tuscaloosa is approximately $1050/mo.
Does Tuscaloosa, AL have income tax?
Tuscaloosa is in AL, which has an income tax rate of 5%.
What is the climate like in Tuscaloosa?
Tuscaloosa enjoys approximately 210 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 91°F, while winter lows can drop to around 37°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.