CostIndexUSA

Redding, CA vs Tuscaloosa, AL Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

CA
Redding
100.7
overall index
$1,600/mo rent
More AffordableAL
Tuscaloosa
87.7
overall index
$1,525/mo rent

Tuscaloosa is moderately cheaper than Redding — 12.9% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Redding, you would need $69,700 in Tuscaloosa. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

Index values: 100 = U.S. national average. Higher = more expensive.

🏠 Housing34.9%
Redding
89.4
Tuscaloosa
58.2
🛒 Groceries8.4%
Redding
105.2
Tuscaloosa
96.4
🚗 Transportation3.6%
Redding
105.3
Tuscaloosa
101.5
🏥 Healthcare3.6%
Redding
95.3
Tuscaloosa
91.9
Utilities46.5%
Redding
157.7
Tuscaloosa
84.4

Salary Equivalency Calculator

Enter your current salary in Redding to see what you'd need to earn in Tuscaloosa to maintain the same purchasing power.

$
Equivalent salary in Tuscaloosa, AL
$69,700
$10,300 less needed in Tuscaloosa

Formula: salary × (87.7 ÷ 100.7) = salary × 0.8709. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Redding, CA

Median Home Price
$362,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,600
Housing Index
89.4
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.9×

Tuscaloosa, AL

Median Home Price
$213,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,525
Housing Index
58.2
Price-to-Rent Ratio
11.6×

Redding has 34.9% lower housing costs compared to Tuscaloosa.

Income & Job Market

Redding, CA

Median Household Income
$75,900
Per Capita Income
$43,300
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
Population
91,305
Top Industries
HealthcareGovernmentRetailManufacturingEducation

Tuscaloosa, AL

Median Household Income
$58,200
Per Capita Income
$33,200
Unemployment Rate
5.9%
Population
99,543
Top Industries
EducationHealthcareManufacturingAutomotiveGovernment

Affordability at a Glance

Income-to-rent ratio: higher is better (more income relative to housing costs).

Redding, CA
4.0×income-to-rent ratio

75% of income left after rent (median)

Tuscaloosa, AL
3.2×income-to-rent ratio

69% of income left after rent (median)

Data Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities 2024; U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS); Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics; Zillow Research.

Cost indices use 100 as the U.S. national average. Values above 100 indicate costs above the national average. Data is updated annually.

This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for relocation or financial decisions.