Is Fayetteville, NC cheaper than Mobile, AL?

Based on cost of living data, Fayetteville, NC is 2.0% cheaper than Mobile, AL. This translates to saving $151 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Mobile, AL, you'd need approximately $148,183.582 in Fayetteville, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Fayetteville, NC is 5.0% more expensive than in Mobile, AL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,270/month in Fayetteville, NC compared to $910/month in Mobile, AL.

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

Moving from Mobile, AL to Fayetteville, NC could save you approximately $151 per month, or $1816 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Mobile, AL vs Fayetteville, NC: 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 $151/month moving to Fayetteville, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.2K in Fayetteville, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 2.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$151

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.8K

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

Fayetteville, NC

Population:209K

Cost Index:

(2% below avg)

Median Home:$238K

Mobile, AL

The Heart of Dixie

183K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Fayetteville, NC

The Tar Heel State

209K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 209K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Mobile, AL vs Fayetteville, NC

Category	Mobile, AL	Fayetteville, NC	Difference	Change
Other	$1,850/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $243less	13.1%
Healthcare	$466/mo	$601/mo	↑ $135more	29.1%
Housing	$2,105/mo	$2,209/mo	↑ $104more	5.0%
All Utilities	$481/mo	$519/mo	↑ $38.15more	7.9%
Transportation	$1,216/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $13.72less	1.1%
Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	↑ $0.69more	0.1%

Other

↓ 13.1%

Mobile, AL

$1,850

Fayetteville, NC

$1,607

Difference

$243

less

Healthcare

↑ 29.1%

Mobile, AL

$466

Fayetteville, NC

$601

Difference

$135

Housing

↑ 5.0%

Mobile, AL

$2,105

Fayetteville, NC

$2,209

Difference

$104

All Utilities

↑ 7.9%

Mobile, AL

$481

Fayetteville, NC

$519

Difference

$38.15

Transportation

↓ 1.1%

Mobile, AL

$1,216

Fayetteville, NC

$1,202

Difference

$13.72

less

Groceries

↑ 0.1%

Mobile, AL

$959

Fayetteville, NC

$959

Difference

$0.69

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$719

To$1,110

↑ $391

1 Bed

From$769

To$1,130

↑ $361

2 Bed

From$910

To$1,270

↑ $360

3 Bed

From$1,189

To$1,690

↑ $501

Mobile, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $730–$1,080/mo

Fayetteville, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $990–$1,280/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

$7,097

Monthly in Fayetteville, NC

$21.66

Difference

Home Values

Mobile

Fayetteville

$180K

Median Value

$238K

↓ -3.5%

YoY Change

↑ +0.4%

↑ +22.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +45.9%

$55K - $308K

Price Range

$195K - $271K

Homes in Fayetteville are 32% more expensive than Mobile

Calculate payment - Mobile Calculate payment - Fayetteville

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $335

Per year

Monthly Difference

$27.92

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.2%

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Mobile, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%

Property Tax:0.4%

Fayetteville, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.