Performance
Score Breakdown
Tuscaloosa
Homewood
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Tuscaloosa is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
14% lower compared to Homewood.
| Metric | Tuscaloosa | Homewood | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,490 | $1,596 | -7% |
| Groceries | $340 | $450 | -24% |
| Utilities | $219 | $180 | +22% |
| Transport | $160 | $150 | +7% |
| Healthcare | $60 | $250 | -76% |
| Monthly Total | $2,269 | $2,626 | -14% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 105 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Homewood offers similar 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 $40,000 in Homewood.
| Metric | Tuscaloosa | Homewood |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $53,581 | $53,746 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $40,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 60,888 idx | 51,187 idx |
| Household Income | $51,464 | $94,485 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Tuscaloosa | Homewood |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Homewood has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Tuscaloosa.
Homewood scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Homewood leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Tuscaloosa | Homewood |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 17 min |
| Transit Score | 11.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 33.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Tuscaloosa is the larger city
— approximately 4.1x the population of Homewood.
From a growth perspective, Tuscaloosa is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Homewood has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Tuscaloosa | Homewood |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,288 | 27,829 |
| Pop. Growth | 3.00% | 1.80% |
| Median Age | 27.2 | 29.0 |
| Unemployment | 2.90% | 2.10% |
| 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.
Homewood
Advantages
Homewood boasts a significantly shorter average commute time of 17.1 minutes compared to the national average.
The median household income in Homewood was $94,485 in 2024, notably higher than the national average.
The city has a healthy job market with a 1.38% employment growth rate between 2023 and 2024.
Homewood offers a strong sense of community and access to highly-rated public schools.
Residents have access to comprehensive healthcare services, including Baptist Health Brookwood Hospital within the city and major medical centers nearby.
Drawbacks
Median home purchase prices in Homewood are higher than the national average, potentially impacting affordability for buyers.
The city exhibits high car dependency, with most residents driving alone to work, and limited public transit options.
Summers in Homewood are long, hot, and muggy, which may be a drawback for some.
While generally safe, there have been reports of attempted car theft and homelessness in the area.
The median age of 29 is lower than the national average, which might not appeal to those seeking a more established, older demographic.
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
Homewood
#8Alabama, USA
78.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,596
Avg Salary
$53,746
Cost Index
105
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
55.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.80%
Unemployment
2.10%
Livability
82
Business
75
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