CostIndexUSA

Scranton, PA vs Tuscaloosa, AL Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

PA
Scranton
93.6
overall index
$1,325/mo rent
More AffordableAL
Tuscaloosa
87.7
overall index
$1,525/mo rent

Tuscaloosa is moderately cheaper than Scranton — 6.3% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Scranton, you would need $75,000 in Tuscaloosa. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

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

🏠 Housing13.1%
Scranton
67
Tuscaloosa
58.2
🛒 Groceries4.3%
Scranton
100.7
Tuscaloosa
96.4
🚗 Transportation1.1%
Scranton
102.6
Tuscaloosa
101.5
🏥 Healthcare1.0%
Scranton
92.8
Tuscaloosa
91.9
Utilities20.8%
Scranton
106.5
Tuscaloosa
84.4

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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

$
Equivalent salary in Tuscaloosa, AL
$75,000
$5,000 less needed in Tuscaloosa

Formula: salary × (87.7 ÷ 93.6) = salary × 0.9370. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Scranton, PA

Median Home Price
$220,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,325
Housing Index
67
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.8×

Tuscaloosa, AL

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

Scranton has 13.1% lower housing costs compared to Tuscaloosa.

Income & Job Market

Scranton, PA

Median Household Income
$58,800
Per Capita Income
$33,500
Unemployment Rate
4%
Population
76,997
Top Industries
HealthcareManufacturingEducationGovernmentRetail

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).

Scranton, PA
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.