Is Columbus, GA cheaper than Mobile, AL?

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

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

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

How does housing cost compare between Mobile, AL and Columbus, GA?

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

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

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

Mobile, AL vs Columbus, GA: 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 Mobile, AL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $551/month moving to Columbus, GA

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.4K in Columbus, GA

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

Columbus, GA

Population:207K

Cost Index:

(7% below avg)

Median Home:$153K

Mobile, AL

The Heart of Dixie

183K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Columbus, GA

The Peach State

207K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Georgia, this city has a population of 207K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Mobile, AL vs Columbus, GA

Category	Mobile, AL	Columbus, GA	Difference	Change
Other	$1,850/mo	$1,574/mo	↓ $277less	14.9%
Transportation	$1,216/mo	$1,448/mo	↑ $232more	19.1%
Housing	$2,105/mo	$1,923/mo	↓ $182less	8.6%
All Utilities	$481/mo	$585/mo	↑ $104more	21.6%
Healthcare	$466/mo	$514/mo	↑ $48.56more	10.4%
Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	↑ $0.69more	0.1%

Other

↓ 14.9%

Mobile, AL

$1,850

Columbus, GA

$1,574

Difference

$277

less

Transportation

↑ 19.1%

Mobile, AL

$1,216

Columbus, GA

$1,448

Difference

$232

Housing

↓ 8.6%

Mobile, AL

$2,105

Columbus, GA

$1,923

Difference

$182

less

All Utilities

↑ 21.6%

Mobile, AL

$481

Columbus, GA

$585

Difference

$104

Healthcare

↑ 10.4%

Mobile, AL

$466

Columbus, GA

$514

Difference

$48.56

Groceries

↑ 0.1%

Mobile, AL

$959

Columbus, GA

$959

Difference

$0.69

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$719

To$880

↑ $161

1 Bed

From$769

To$930

↑ $161

2 Bed

From$910

To$1,085

↑ $175

3 Bed

From$1,189

To$1,435

↑ $246

Mobile, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $730–$1,080/mo

Columbus, GAZIP-level data

1BR range: $850–$1,290/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

$7,003

Monthly in Columbus, GA

$72.97

Difference

Home Values

Mobile

Columbus

$180K

Median Value

$153K

↓ -3.5%

YoY Change

↑ +22.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +39.1%

$55K - $308K

Price Range

$69K - $226K

Homes in Columbus are 15% less expensive than Mobile

Calculate payment - Mobile Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $993

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$82.71

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.7%

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

Columbus, GA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Georgia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,711/month

$104.5K

Additional Tax Information

Mobile, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%

Property Tax:0.4%

Columbus, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.