Moving from Hialeah, FL to Tuscaloosa, AL
Relocating 784 mi from Hialeah to Tuscaloosa is a 15h 11m drive through 2 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
784 mi Β· 15h 11m by car Β· FL β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 231, I 75 |
| Major cities en route | Miami, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Hollywood, Miami Gardens |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Hialeah | Tuscaloosa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 114.155 | 87.722 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 97.235 | 84.396 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.556 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 155.551 | 58.246 | 100.0 |
Tuscaloosa sits 23.2% cheaper than Hialeah on the BEA RPP, one of the larger gaps you will see between U.S. metros.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $443,804 in Hialeah to $228,947 in Tuscaloosa, a 23.2% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Hialeah -3.0%, Tuscaloosa +1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Hialeah | Tuscaloosa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 77Β°F | 64Β°F |
| January avg low | 59Β°F | 35Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 62.7" | 57.3" |
Expect 12.6Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MIAMI OPA LOCKA AP, FL US, NORTHPORT 2 S, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Hialeah | Tuscaloosa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 221,901 | 107,699 |
| Median household income | $53,079 | $48,536 |
| Median age | 45.9 | 28.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.8% | 21.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.87 | 2.68 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 23.2% lower in Tuscaloosa than Hialeah.
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.
Moving between Florida and Alabama
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Alabama's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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 92Β°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 β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (12.6Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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.
- Register to vote in Alabama after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Tuscaloosa compared to Hialeah?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $228,947 in Tuscaloosa vs $443,804 in Hialeah β a 48.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Hialeah to Tuscaloosa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 784 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Hialeah vs Tuscaloosa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,536 in Tuscaloosa vs $53,079 in Hialeah β a 8.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Tuscaloosa, AL from Hialeah, FL?
The driving distance is 784 mi and the route typically takes 15h 11m via I 10 and US 231. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Tuscaloosa compare to Hialeah?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,690 in the Tuscaloosa MSA vs $46,510 in the Hialeah MSA, on total employment of 103,520 and 2,721,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Tuscaloosa more expensive than Hialeah?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tuscaloosa is 23.2% lower than Hialeah (87.722 vs 114.155, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Hialeah.
City profiles: Hialeah, FL Β· Tuscaloosa, AL.