Moving from Jacksonville, FL to Tuscaloosa, AL
The 471 mi from Jacksonville to Tuscaloosa translate to about 9h 27m behind the wheel through 2 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.
471 mi · 9h 27m by car · FL → AL
Distance & route
| Route through | FL → AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 17, FL 228, I 10 |
| Major cities en route | Tallahassee, Montgomery |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jacksonville | Tuscaloosa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 99.484 | 87.722 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.514 | 84.396 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 109.777 | 58.246 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 99.484 to 87.722, putting Tuscaloosa roughly 11.8% below Jacksonville on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Tuscaloosa ZHVI at $228,947 is 11.8% below Jacksonville at $282,895.
YoY change: Jacksonville -3.1%, Tuscaloosa +1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Jacksonville | Tuscaloosa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71°F | 64°F |
| January avg low | 47°F | 35°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 47.6" | 57.3" |
Climate cools by 7.1°F on the annual average — 71.4°F → 64.3°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: JACKSONVILLE NAS, FL US, NORTHPORT 2 S, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jacksonville | Tuscaloosa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 961,739 | 107,699 |
| Median household income | $66,981 | $48,536 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 28.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 21.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.68 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 11.8% between Jacksonville and Tuscaloosa (ACS 2023).
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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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.
- Register to vote in Alabama after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Tuscaloosa, AL from Jacksonville, FL?
The driving distance is 471 mi and the route typically takes 9h 27m via US 17 and FL 228. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Tuscaloosa more expensive than Jacksonville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tuscaloosa is 11.8% lower than Jacksonville (87.722 vs 99.484, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Tuscaloosa compare to Jacksonville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,690 in the Tuscaloosa MSA vs $45,420 in the Jacksonville MSA, on total employment of 103,520 and 740,520 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Tuscaloosa compared to Jacksonville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $228,947 in Tuscaloosa vs $282,895 in Jacksonville — a 19.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Jacksonville 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 471 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Jacksonville vs Tuscaloosa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,536 in Tuscaloosa vs $66,981 in Jacksonville — a 27.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Jacksonville.
City profiles: Jacksonville, FL · Tuscaloosa, AL.