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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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You'd spend $594/month more in Mobile, AL

$150.0K in your current city equals $157.1K in Mobile, AL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Birmingham-Hoover, AL area
Overall Cost
↑ 7.9%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$594
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$7.1K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Birmingham, AL

Population:201K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$90K

Mobile, AL

Population:183K
Cost Index:
108
(8% above avg)
Median Home:$180K

Birmingham, AL

The Heart of Dixie

201K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Alabama, this city has a population of 201K residents.

Mobile, AL

The Heart of Dixie

183K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Alabama, this city has a population of 183K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Birmingham, AL vs Mobile, AL

Other
↑ 17.6%
Birmingham, AL
$1,574
Mobile, AL
$1,850
Difference
$277
more
Housing
↑ 9.4%
Birmingham, AL
$1,923
Mobile, AL
$2,105
Difference
$182
more
All Utilities
↓ 11.1%
Birmingham, AL
$541
Mobile, AL
$481
Difference
$60.00
less
Healthcare
↓ 9.4%
Birmingham, AL
$514
Mobile, AL
$466
Difference
$48.56
less
Transportation
↑ 1.1%
Birmingham, AL
$1,202
Mobile, AL
$1,216
Difference
$13.72
more
Groceries
↓ 0.1%
Birmingham, AL
$959
Mobile, AL
$959
Difference
$0.69
less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Birmingham, AL: Birmingham Occupational Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)

Mobile, AL has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$880
To$719
↓ $161
1 Bed
From$990
To$769
↓ $221
2 Bed
From$1,085
To$910
↓ $175
3 Bed
From$1,360
To$1,189
↓ $171
Birmingham, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $900–$1,580/mo

Mobile, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $730–$1,080/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,713
Monthly in Birmingham, AL
$7,076
Monthly in Mobile, AL
$363
Difference

Home Values

Birmingham
Mobile
$90K
Median Value
$180K
↓ -1.7%
YoY Change
↓ -3.5%
↑ +16.6%
5-Year Change
↑ +22.1%
$57K - $376K
Price Range
$55K - $308K

Homes in Mobile are 100% more expensive than Birmingham

Calculate payment - BirminghamCalculate payment - Mobile

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
→ $0
Same taxes
Monthly Difference
$0
Same take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.0%
Rate difference

Birmingham, AL

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Alabama State Tax
Effective: 5.0%
$7.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.6%
$44.5K
Take-Home Pay
$8,794/month
$105.5K

Mobile, AL

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Alabama State Tax
Effective: 5.0%
$7.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.6%
$44.5K
Take-Home Pay
$8,794/month
$105.5K

Additional Tax Information

Birmingham, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%
Property Tax:0.4%

Mobile, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%
Property Tax:0.4%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Birmingham
Mobile
57 Moderate
Air Quality
41 Good
26%
Good Air Days
70.2%
98 High
Climate Risk
98 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌀🌡
▲+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.2°F
41 days
Heat Days >95°F
46 days
▲+2.5°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.2°F
41 days
Heat Days >95°F
46 days

Similar cost to Mobile, AL

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