Performance
Score Breakdown
Tuscaloosa
Phenix City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Tuscaloosa is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
14% lower compared to Phenix City.
Housing costs are a major driver: Tuscaloosa's average rent is
113% higher than Phenix City's.
| Metric | Tuscaloosa | Phenix City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,490 | $700 | +113% |
| Groceries | $340 | $300 | +13% |
| Utilities | $219 | $150 | +46% |
| Transport | $160 | $500 | -68% |
| Healthcare | $60 | $1,000 | -94% |
| Monthly Total | $2,269 | $2,650 | -14% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 84 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Tuscaloosa offers 25% 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 $38,000 in Phenix City.
| Metric | Tuscaloosa | Phenix City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $53,581 | $43,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $38,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 60,888 idx | 51,190 idx |
| Household Income | $51,464 | $43,000 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Tuscaloosa | Phenix City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | 64.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Tuscaloosa has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Phenix City.
Phenix City scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Phenix City leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Tuscaloosa | Phenix City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 25 min |
| Transit Score | 11.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 33.0/10 | 40.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Tuscaloosa is the larger city
— approximately 3x the population of Phenix City.
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 | Phenix City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,288 | 38,000 |
| Pop. Growth | 3.00% | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 27.2 | 34.0 |
| Unemployment | 2.90% | 4.20% |
| 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.
Phenix City
Advantages
Affordable housing options
Low cost of living
Growing economy
Rich history and culture
Outdoor recreational opportunities
Drawbacks
Higher crime rate
Limited public transportation options
Aging housing stock
Limited job opportunities in certain industries
Summer heat and humidity
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
Phenix City
#31Alabama, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$700
Avg Salary
$43,000
Cost Index
84
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
40.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.20%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
80
Business
65
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