Performance
Score Breakdown
Tuscaloosa
Gadsden
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Gadsden is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
24% higher compared to Tuscaloosa.
Housing costs are a major driver: Tuscaloosa's average rent is
113% higher than Gadsden's.
| Metric | Tuscaloosa | Gadsden | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,490 | $700 | +113% |
| Groceries | $340 | $450 | -24% |
| Utilities | $219 | $283 | -23% |
| Transport | $160 | $150 | +7% |
| Healthcare | $60 | $250 | -76% |
| Monthly Total | $2,269 | $1,833 | +24% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Tuscaloosa offers 21% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Tuscaloosa delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Tuscaloosa is estimated at
$55,000 vs $50,000 in Gadsden.
| Metric | Tuscaloosa | Gadsden |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $53,581 | $44,346 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $50,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 60,888 idx | 52,172 idx |
| Household Income | $51,464 | $40,345 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Tuscaloosa | Gadsden |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Gadsden scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Tuscaloosa leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Tuscaloosa | Gadsden |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 21 min |
| Transit Score | 11.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 33.0/10 | 25.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | ||
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Tuscaloosa is the larger city
— approximately 3.4x the population of Gadsden.
From a growth perspective, Tuscaloosa is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Tuscaloosa has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Tuscaloosa | Gadsden |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,288 | 33,374 |
| Pop. Growth | 3.00% | % |
| Median Age | 27.2 | 38.6 |
| Unemployment | 2.90% | 3.00% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Tuscaloosa
Advantages
The cost of living in Tuscaloosa is 12% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Housing expenses are significantly lower, with home prices 26% cheaper than the U.S. average and a median home sale price of $300,000 as of May 2026.
The city boasts a healthy job market with a 1.64% employment growth rate between 2023 and 2024, driven by strong sectors like manufacturing, education, and healthcare.
Healthcare costs are approximately 21% lower than the national average, and local hospitals have demonstrated improved patient safety and quality.
Tuscaloosa offers a vibrant college-town atmosphere due to the University of Alabama, contributing to a lively cultural and social scene.
Drawbacks
Tuscaloosa has a higher crime rate, with overall crime being 43% above the national average and a C- safety grade in 2026.
The city is car-dependent, with a low Walk Score of 33 and a Transit Score of 11, indicating limited public transportation and walkability.
Summers are characterized by long, hot, and muggy conditions, with uncomfortably high humidity levels.
While the median household income is $51,464, the median individual income is considerably lower at $27,157, suggesting income disparities.
Utilities costs are 11% higher than the national average, which can impact monthly budgets despite overall lower living costs.
Gadsden
Advantages
Median home sale price of $165,000 (May 2026) is significantly lower than the national average, making homeownership more accessible.
Overall cost of living is 15% lower than the national average.
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is around $700 per month (June 2026), offering affordable rental options.
Home to two hospitals, Gadsden Regional Medical Center and Riverview Regional Medical Center, offering top-rated programs and quality care.
Features a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons, providing varied weather experiences throughout the year.
Drawbacks
The overall crime rate is 49% higher than the national average, with violent crimes being 62% higher.
The city is considered car-dependent, with a Walk Score of 25, meaning most errands require a car.
Median household income of $40,345 (2024) is lower than the national average.
Population has experienced a negative growth rate of -1.2% annually between 2019 and 2024.
Utility costs, particularly electricity, are higher than the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Tuscaloosa
#39Alabama, USA
67.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,490
Avg Salary
$53,581
Cost Index
88
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
11.0/10
Walkability
33.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
3.00%
Unemployment
2.90%
Livability
69
Business
68
Gadsden
#40Alabama, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$700
Avg Salary
$44,346
Cost Index
85
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
25.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.00%
Livability
67
Business
58
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