Is Mobile, AL cheaper than Fayetteville, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Mobile, AL is 2.1% more expensive than Fayetteville, NC. This translates to spending an extra $154 per month.

What salary do I need in Mobile, AL to live like I do in Fayetteville, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Fayetteville, NC, you'd need approximately $151,853.833 in Mobile, AL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Fayetteville, NC and Mobile, AL?

Housing in Mobile, AL is 4.7% cheaper than in Fayetteville, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $910/month in Mobile, AL compared to $1,270/month in Fayetteville, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Fayetteville, NC to Mobile, AL?

Living in Mobile, AL costs approximately $154 more per month than Fayetteville, NC, or $1854 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Fayetteville, NC vs Mobile, AL: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Fayetteville, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $154/month more in Mobile, AL

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.9K in Mobile, AL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 2.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$154

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$1.9K

Per year

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

Fayetteville, NC

Population:209K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$238K

Mobile, AL

Population:183K

Cost Index:

102

(2% above avg)

Median Home:$180K

Fayetteville, NC

The Tar Heel State

209K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 209K 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: Fayetteville, NC vs Mobile, AL

Category	Fayetteville, NC	Mobile, AL	Difference	Change
Other	$1,607/mo	$1,850/mo	↑ $243more	15.1%
Healthcare	$601/mo	$466/mo	↓ $135less	22.5%
Housing	$2,209/mo	$2,105/mo	↓ $104less	4.7%
All Utilities	$519/mo	$481/mo	↓ $38.15less	7.3%
Transportation	$1,202/mo	$1,216/mo	↑ $13.72more	1.1%
Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	↓ $0.69less	0.1%

Other

↑ 15.1%

Fayetteville, NC

$1,607

Mobile, AL

$1,850

Difference

$243

Healthcare

↓ 22.5%

Fayetteville, NC

$601

Mobile, AL

$466

Difference

$135

less

Housing

↓ 4.7%

Fayetteville, NC

$2,209

Mobile, AL

$2,105

Difference

$104

less

All Utilities

↓ 7.3%

Fayetteville, NC

$519

Mobile, AL

$481

Difference

$38.15

less

Transportation

↑ 1.1%

Fayetteville, NC

$1,202

Mobile, AL

$1,216

Difference

$13.72

Groceries

↓ 0.1%

Fayetteville, NC

$959

Mobile, AL

$959

Difference

$0.69

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,110

To$719

↓ $391

1 Bed

From$1,130

To$769

↓ $361

2 Bed

From$1,270

To$910

↓ $360

3 Bed

From$1,690

To$1,189

↓ $501

Fayetteville, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $990–$1,280/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.

$7,097

Monthly in Fayetteville, NC

$7,076

Monthly in Mobile, AL

$21.66

Difference

Home Values

Fayetteville

Mobile

$238K

Median Value

$180K

↑ +0.4%

YoY Change

↓ -3.5%

↑ +45.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +22.1%

$195K - $271K

Price Range

$55K - $308K

Homes in Mobile are 24% less expensive than Fayetteville

Calculate payment - Fayetteville Calculate payment - Mobile

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $335

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$27.92

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.2%

Rate difference

Fayetteville, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

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

Fayetteville, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.