Is Birmingham, AL cheaper than Mobile, AL?

Based on cost of living data, Birmingham, AL is 7.3% cheaper than Mobile, AL. This translates to saving $551 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Mobile, AL, you'd need approximately $143,390.996 in Birmingham, AL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Mobile, AL and Birmingham, AL?

Housing in Birmingham, AL is 8.6% cheaper than in Mobile, AL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,085/month in Birmingham, AL compared to $910/month in Mobile, AL.

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

Moving from Mobile, AL to Birmingham, AL could save you approximately $551 per month, or $6609 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Mobile, AL vs Birmingham, AL: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Mobile, AL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $551/month moving to Birmingham, AL

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.4K in Birmingham, AL

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

Overall Cost

↓ 7.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$551

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.6K

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

100 = national average

Median Home:$180K

Birmingham, AL

Population:201K

Cost Index:

(7% below avg)

Median Home:$90K

Mobile, AL

The Heart of Dixie

183K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Birmingham, AL

The Heart of Dixie

201K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Mobile, AL vs Birmingham, AL

Category	Mobile, AL	Birmingham, AL	Difference	Change
Other	$1,850/mo	$1,574/mo	↓ $277less	14.9%
Housing	$2,105/mo	$1,923/mo	↓ $182less	8.6%
All Utilities	$481/mo	$541/mo	↑ $60.00more	12.5%
Healthcare	$466/mo	$514/mo	↑ $48.56more	10.4%
Transportation	$1,216/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $13.72less	1.1%
Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	↑ $0.69more	0.1%

Other

↓ 14.9%

Mobile, AL

$1,850

Birmingham, AL

$1,574

Difference

$277

less

Housing

↓ 8.6%

Mobile, AL

$2,105

Birmingham, AL

$1,923

Difference

$182

less

All Utilities

↑ 12.5%

Mobile, AL

$481

Birmingham, AL

$541

Difference

$60.00

Healthcare

↑ 10.4%

Mobile, AL

$466

Birmingham, AL

$514

Difference

$48.56

Transportation

↓ 1.1%

Mobile, AL

$1,216

Birmingham, AL

$1,202

Difference

$13.72

less

Groceries

↑ 0.1%

Mobile, AL

$959

Birmingham, AL

$959

Difference

$0.69

🏛️ 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$719

To$880

↑ $161

1 Bed

From$769

To$990

↑ $221

2 Bed

From$910

To$1,085

↑ $175

3 Bed

From$1,189

To$1,360

↑ $171

Mobile, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $730–$1,080/mo

Birmingham, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $900–$1,580/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

$6,713

Monthly in Birmingham, AL

$363

Difference

Home Values

Mobile

Birmingham

$180K

Median Value

$90K

↓ -3.5%

YoY Change

↓ -1.7%

↑ +22.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +16.6%

$55K - $308K

Price Range

$57K - $376K

Homes in Birmingham are 50% less expensive than Mobile

Calculate payment - Mobile Calculate payment - Birmingham

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

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Mobile, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%

Property Tax:0.4%

Birmingham, 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.