Moving from Birmingham, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL
The 59 mi from Birmingham to Tuscaloosa translate to about 1h 10m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
59 mi · 1h 10m by car · AL
Distance & route
| Route through | AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, I 59, US 82 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Birmingham | Tuscaloosa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.644 | 87.722 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.803 | 84.396 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.851 | 58.246 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Birmingham (91.644) and Tuscaloosa (87.722) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Tuscaloosa: 4.3% above Birmingham on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Birmingham -2.5%, Tuscaloosa +1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Birmingham | Tuscaloosa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64°F | 64°F |
| January avg low | 35°F | 35°F |
| July avg high | 91°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.4" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 56.6" | 57.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: BIRMINGHAM AP, AL US, NORTHPORT 2 S, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Birmingham | Tuscaloosa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 199,322 | 107,699 |
| Median household income | $44,376 | $48,536 |
| Median age | 35.9 | 28.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.4% | 21.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.25 | 2.68 |
Income steps up 4.3%: $44,376 in Birmingham vs $48,536 in Tuscaloosa.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tuscaloosa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Production Occupations | 15,750 | $48,310 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 9,940 | $37,980 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,860 | $25,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 9,250 | $36,980 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 8,780 | $29,460 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Tuscaloosa average 92°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Tuscaloosa averages 57.3 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Hurricane season runs June through November on the Gulf Coast.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
Is Tuscaloosa more expensive than Birmingham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tuscaloosa is 4.3% lower than Birmingham (87.722 vs 91.644, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Birmingham to Tuscaloosa?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 59 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Tuscaloosa, AL from Birmingham, AL?
The driving distance is 59 mi and the route typically takes 1h 10m via I 20 and I 59. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Birmingham vs Tuscaloosa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,536 in Tuscaloosa vs $44,376 in Birmingham — a 9.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Tuscaloosa compare to Birmingham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,690 in the Tuscaloosa MSA vs $44,830 in the Birmingham MSA, on total employment of 103,520 and 509,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Tuscaloosa compared to Birmingham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $228,947 in Tuscaloosa vs $135,870 in Birmingham — a 68.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Birmingham.
City profiles: Birmingham, AL · Tuscaloosa, AL.