CostIndexUSA

Reno, NV vs Tuscaloosa, AL Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

NV
Reno
101
overall index
$1,900/mo rent
More AffordableAL
Tuscaloosa
87.7
overall index
$1,525/mo rent

Tuscaloosa is moderately cheaper than Reno — 13.2% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Reno, you would need $69,500 in Tuscaloosa. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

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

🏠 Housing52.9%
Reno
123.5
Tuscaloosa
58.2
🛒 Groceries≈ Equal
Reno
96.3
Tuscaloosa
96.4
🚗 Transportation2.1%
Reno
103.7
Tuscaloosa
101.5
🏥 Healthcare2.0%
Reno
93.8
Tuscaloosa
91.9
Utilities5.5%
Reno
89.3
Tuscaloosa
84.4

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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

$
Equivalent salary in Tuscaloosa, AL
$69,500
$10,500 less needed in Tuscaloosa

Formula: salary × (87.7 ÷ 101) = salary × 0.8683. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Reno, NV

Median Home Price
$551,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,900
Housing Index
123.5
Price-to-Rent Ratio
24.2×

Tuscaloosa, AL

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

Reno has 52.9% lower housing costs compared to Tuscaloosa.

Income & Job Market

Reno, NV

Median Household Income
$83,800
Per Capita Income
$47,800
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
Population
264,165
Top Industries
GamingHealthcareManufacturingTechnologyLogistics

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).

Reno, NV
3.7×income-to-rent ratio

73% 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.