CostLens
HomeUnited States › Tuscaloosa

Cost of Living in Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States · Population 170,416

▼ -6% vs United States average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,246
Couple, monthly$2,273
Family of four, monthly$2,999

Estimated Prices in Tuscaloosa

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$11.25per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$45.00per meal
Cappuccino$3.38each
Monthly groceries (single person)$255per month
Monthly public transport pass$41.25per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$109per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$31.50per month
Fitness club membership$31.50per month
Cinema ticket$8.25each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$713per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$496per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,488per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Tuscaloosa is $3,900 per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,246 with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $1,620 per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($496) represents about 40% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa vs New YorkTuscaloosa vs Los AngelesTuscaloosa vs ChicagoTuscaloosa vs MiamiTuscaloosa vs HoustonTuscaloosa vs Dallas

Nearby Cities

Northport

7 km away · Alabama

McCalla

47 km away · Alabama

Hueytown

51 km away · Alabama

Bessemer

54 km away · Alabama

Pleasant Grove

59 km away · Alabama

Helena

60 km away · Alabama

Fairfield

62 km away · Alabama

Alabaster

66 km away · Alabama

Other Major Cities in United States

New York

New York · pop. 19,268,388

$1,664 / mo

Los Angeles

California · pop. 11,984,083

$1,635 / mo

Chicago

Illinois · pop. 8,609,571

$1,635 / mo

Miami

Florida · pop. 6,391,670

$1,635 / mo

Houston

Texas · pop. 6,227,666

$1,635 / mo

Dallas

Texas · pop. 5,968,322

$1,635 / mo

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania · pop. 5,782,653

$1,635 / mo

Atlanta

Georgia · pop. 5,298,788

$1,635 / mo

Living in Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa is one of the key cities in United States. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,246, placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $496 per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $2,999 per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $2,273 monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Tuscaloosa is $3,900. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $1,620 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tuscaloosa expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,246 per month in Tuscaloosa including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for United States.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Tuscaloosa?
A net salary of around $1,620 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Tuscaloosa with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Tuscaloosa is $3,900.
How much is rent in Tuscaloosa?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $713 per month in the city centre and $496 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,488.
Is Tuscaloosa cheaper than United States on average?
Yes — Tuscaloosa is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the United States average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Tuscaloosa?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $255 in Tuscaloosa. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $11 and a cappuccino runs around $3.
How do transport costs in Tuscaloosa compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Tuscaloosa is estimated at $41. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Tuscaloosa are estimates based on United States national averages adjusted for city size (population 170,416). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.