Moving from Cambridge, MA to Tuscaloosa, AL
It is 1230 mi between Cambridge and Tuscaloosa β roughly 23h 33m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 11 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1230 mi Β· 23h 33m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β NJ β PA β MD β WV β VA β TN β GA β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β NJ β PA β MD β WV β VA β TN β GA β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 81, I 59, US 52 |
| Major cities en route | Boston, Brockton, Lowell, Worcester, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cambridge | Tuscaloosa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 87.722 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 84.396 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 58.246 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 19.0% cheaper overall in Tuscaloosa than Cambridge on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
19.0% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Cambridge -1.5%, Tuscaloosa +1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cambridge | Tuscaloosa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 64Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 35Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | 57.3" |
Annual temperature rises 13.1Β°F moving to Tuscaloosa per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US, NORTHPORT 2 S, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cambridge | Tuscaloosa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,794 | 107,699 |
| Median household income | $126,469 | $48,536 |
| Median age | 30.5 | 28.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 21.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.68 |
Tuscaloosa households earn about 19.0% less than Cambridge at the median β $126,469 β $48,536 on 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 Massachusetts 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.
Winter driving along this route
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
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 warmer climate (13.1Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Cambridge, MA?
The driving distance is 1230 mi and the route typically takes 23h 33m via I 81 and I 59. The trip crosses 11 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Tuscaloosa more expensive than Cambridge?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tuscaloosa is 19.0% lower than Cambridge (87.722 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Cambridge to Tuscaloosa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1230 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 Cambridge vs Tuscaloosa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,536 in Tuscaloosa vs $126,469 in Cambridge β a 61.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Tuscaloosa compared to Cambridge?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $228,947 in Tuscaloosa vs $1,041,569 in Cambridge β a 78.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cambridge.
City profiles: Cambridge, MA Β· Tuscaloosa, AL.