1-Bedroom Apartment Rent in Tuscaloosa, AL
Median asking rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Tuscaloosa, Alabama as of July 2026. That's +31% lower than the citywide median of $1,433 and +30% below the national 1-bedroom median of $1,395.
Income needed for a 1-bedroom in Tuscaloosa
Using the standard 30% rent-to-income guideline (the threshold above which households are considered rent-burdened), here's what you need to earn to comfortably afford a 1-bedroom at the current median rent.
Rent by apartment size in Tuscaloosa
Compare Tuscaloosa's median rent across every apartment size.
Cheapest cities for a 1-bedroom in Alabama
Most expensive cities for a 1-bedroom in Alabama
| # | City | 1-Bedroom rent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Helena | $1,660 |
| 2 | Owens Cross Roads | $1,610 |
| 3 | Calera | $1,470 |
| 4 | Hoover | $1,455 |
| 5 | Madison | $1,450 |
| 6 | Pelham | $1,400 |
| 7 | Meridianville | $1,400 |
| 8 | Vestavia Hills | $1,380 |
| 9 | Trussville | $1,380 |
| 10 | Homewood | $1,380 |
| 11 | Chelsea | $1,350 |
| 12 | Pike Road | $1,300 |
| 13 | Alabaster | $1,280 |
| 14 | Spanish Fort | $1,260 |
| 15 | Moody | $1,250 |
Nearby cities — 1-bedroom rent
Considering nearby alternatives? 2 of these cities have cheaper 1-bedroom rents than Tuscaloosa.
| City | Distance | 1-Bedroom rent | vs Tuscaloosa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northport, AL | 4.9 mi | $890 | $-93 (-9%) |
| Mc Calla, AL | 30.2 mi | $1,000 | +$17 (+2%) |
| Hueytown, AL | 35.1 mi | $1,160 | +$177 (+18%) |
| Bessemer, AL | 40.4 mi | $1,010 | +$27 (+3%) |
| Helena, AL | 42.6 mi | $1,660 | +$677 (+69%) |
| Montevallo, AL | 44.1 mi | $1,000 | +$17 (+2%) |
| Jasper, AL | 44.9 mi | $630 | $-353 (-36%) |
| Adamsville, AL | 45 mi | $1,060 | +$77 (+8%) |
| Midfield, AL | 45.1 mi | $1,040 | +$57 (+6%) |
| Hoover, AL | 49 mi | $1,455 | +$472 (+48%) |
| Alabaster, AL | 50.3 mi | $1,280 | +$297 (+30%) |
| Forestdale, AL | 50.5 mi | $1,000 | +$17 (+2%) |
1-Bedroom rent in Tuscaloosa — common questions
How much is a 1-bedroom apartment in Tuscaloosa?
As of July 2026, the median 1-bedroom apartment rent in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is $983 per month. This is +31% below the citywide median of $1,433.
What income do you need to afford a 1-bedroom in Tuscaloosa?
Using the standard 30% rent-to-income rule, you would need an annual income of about $39,320 ($3,277/month gross), which works out to roughly $18.90/hour at a full-time job.
Is Tuscaloosa expensive for a 1-bedroom compared to the rest of the US?
Tuscaloosa's 1-bedroom median of $983 is +30% below the national 1-bedroom median of $1,395. It ranks in the 20th percentile of US cities tracked.
How does Tuscaloosa rank for 1-bedroom rent in Alabama?
Among the 65 cities in Alabama with 1-bedroom data, Tuscaloosa ranks #24 from cheapest to most expensive.
Are there cheaper 1-bedroom options near Tuscaloosa?
Yes — nearby cities with cheaper 1-bedroom rents include Northport ($890), Jasper ($630).