Is Austin, TX cheaper than Mobile, AL?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 9.7% more expensive than Mobile, AL. This translates to spending an extra $727 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Mobile, AL?

If you earn $150,000 in Mobile, AL, you'd need approximately $158,727.271 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Mobile, AL and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 37.1% more expensive than in Mobile, AL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $910/month in Mobile, AL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Mobile, AL to Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $727 more per month than Mobile, AL, or $8727 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Mobile, AL vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Mobile, AL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from New Orleans, LA area

Current salary in Mobile, AL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $727/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $158.7K in Austin, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 9.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$727

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$8.7K

Per year

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

Mobile, AL

Population:183K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$180K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:110

Median Home:$558K

Mobile, AL

The Heart of Dixie

183K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Mobile, AL vs Austin, TX

Category	Mobile, AL	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,105/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $780more	37.1%
🏥Healthcare	$466/mo	$589/mo	↑ $123more	26.4%
📦Other	$1,850/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $109less	5.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,216/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $68.24more	5.6%
⚡All Utilities	$481/mo	$541/mo	↑ $60.00more	12.5%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	↑ $0.69more	0.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 37.1%

Mobile, AL

$2,105

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$780

🏥Healthcare

↑ 26.4%

Mobile, AL

$466

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$123

📦Other

↓ 5.9%

Mobile, AL

$1,850

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$109

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 5.6%

Mobile, AL

$1,216

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$68.24

⚡All Utilities

↑ 12.5%

Mobile, AL

$481

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$60.00

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.1%

Mobile, AL

$959

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$0.69

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$719

To$1,585

↑ $866

1 Bed

From$769

To$1,685

↑ $916

2 Bed

From$910

To$1,995

↑ $1,085

3 Bed

From$1,189

To$2,525

↑ $1,336

Mobile, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $730–$1,080/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/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.

$7,076

Monthly in Mobile, AL

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$923

Difference

Home Values

Mobile

Austin

$180K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -3.5%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +22.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$55K - $308K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 211% more expensive than Mobile

Calculate payment - Mobile Calculate payment - Austin

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$622

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.0%

Rate difference

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

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Mobile, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%

Property Tax:0.4%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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.