Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Tuscaloosa, AL

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Tuscaloosa are Skyland-McFarland, West Tuscaloosa, and East Tuscaloosa. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Tuscaloosa, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of May 22, 2026, the average rent in Tuscaloosa is $991, which is 1% higher than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.

Skyland-McFarland

Average Rent

$1,003/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.5%

Units Available

47 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Tuscaloosa, Skyland-McFarland might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,003, while the city’s average stands at $991. In the last year, prices have decreased by 2.5%. Skyland-McFarland is near The University of Alabama, Skyland Center, and University of Alabama Arboretum.

West Tuscaloosa

Average Rent

$1,159/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.5%

Units Available

35 Rentals

West Tuscaloosa is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in West Tuscaloosa is $1,159 while the city average is $991. This is a 2.5% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Children's Hands-On Museum, College Walk, and College Park.

East Tuscaloosa

Average Rent

$1,211/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

4.3%

Units Available

44 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Tuscaloosa neighborhood on a budget, check out East Tuscaloosa. The average rent is $1,211, compared to the city average of $991. Rent prices have increased by 4.3%. East Tuscaloosa is convenient to Children's Hands-On Museum, University of Alabama Arboretum, and Five Points Shopping Center.

Downtown Tuscaloosa

Average Rent

$1,273/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1%

Units Available

20 Rentals

Downtown Tuscaloosa is an affordable neighborhood in Tuscaloosa with an average rent price of $1,273. Compare this to the city average of $991. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1%. Downtown Tuscaloosa provides easy access to College Park, University of Alabama Arboretum, and Shelton State Comm. College.

Ready to make your move to Tuscaloosa? Check out the rent specials, price drops, and great deals on ApartmentFinder.com!

Methodology

Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.

We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.