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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

๐Ÿ“ Tuscaloosa, AL โ€” ZIP-level rent data ยท COL adjusted from Birmingham, AL area

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.7K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $170.2K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates ยท COL index from area
Overall Cost
โ†‘ 22.5%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,685
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$20.2K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Tuscaloosa, AL

Population:111K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$238K

Denver, CO

Population:716K
Cost Index:122
Median Home:$513K

Tuscaloosa, AL

The Heart of Dixie

111K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Alabama, this city has a population of 111K residents.

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Semi-arid

Notable Facts

  • โ€ขMile-high city (5,280 ft)
  • โ€ขOutdoor recreation hub
  • โ€ขMajor cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Tuscaloosa, AL vs Denver, CO

๐Ÿ Housing
โ†‘ 63.6%
Tuscaloosa, AL
$1,985
Denver, CO
$3,248
Difference
$1,263
more
๐Ÿš—Transportation
โ†‘ 17.8%
Tuscaloosa, AL
$1,241
Denver, CO
$1,462
Difference
$221
more
๐Ÿ“ฆOther
โ†‘ 9.2%
Tuscaloosa, AL
$1,625
Denver, CO
$1,774
Difference
$150
more
๐ŸฅHealthcare
โ†‘ 20.9%
Tuscaloosa, AL
$523
Denver, CO
$632
Difference
$109
more
๐Ÿ›’Groceries
โ†‘ 5.6%
Tuscaloosa, AL
$975
Denver, CO
$1,029
Difference
$54.54
more
โšกAll Utilities
โ†“ 5.6%
Tuscaloosa, AL
$550
Denver, CO
$519
Difference
$30.55
less

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Tuscaloosa, AL has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

๐Ÿ Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,058
To$1,720
โ†‘ $662
1 Bed
From$1,063
To$1,840
โ†‘ $777
2 Bed
From$1,280
To$2,190
โ†‘ $910
3 Bed
From$1,631
To$2,870
โ†‘ $1,239
Tuscaloosa, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $940โ€“$1,260/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620โ€“$2,540/mo

๐Ÿ’ก Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,898
Monthly in Tuscaloosa, AL
$8,665
Monthly in Denver, CO
$1,767
Difference

Home Values

Tuscaloosa
Denver
$238K
Median Value
$513K
โ†‘ +1.2%
YoY Change
โ†“ -4.2%
โ†‘ +25.3%
5-Year Change
โ†‘ +13%
$172K - $440K
Price Range
$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 115% more expensive than Tuscaloosa

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
โ†‘ $860
Per year
Monthly Difference
$71.67
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.6%
Rate difference

Tuscaloosa, AL

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Alabama State Tax
Effective: 5.0%
$7.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.6%
$44.5K
Take-Home Pay
$8,794/month
$105.5K

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Colorado State Tax
Effective: 4.4%
$6.6K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.1%
$43.6K
Take-Home Pay
$8,866/month
$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Tuscaloosa, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%
Property Tax:0.4%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%
Property Tax:0.5%

๐Ÿ’ก Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Tuscaloosa
Denver
57 Moderate
Air Quality
55 Moderate
26%
Good Air Days
35.2%
98 High
Climate Risk
95 High
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒก๐ŸŒช
Top Hazards
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒช๐Ÿ’จ
โ–ฒ+2.5ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+3.3ยฐF
41 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
28 days
โ–ฒ+2.5ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+3.3ยฐF
41 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
28 days

๐Ÿ’ฐ See how taxes change too โ€” compare take-home pay between Alabama and Colorado on TaxTakeHome.com

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