Is Nashville, TN cheaper than Mobile, AL?

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

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

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

How does housing cost compare between Mobile, AL and Nashville, TN?

Housing in Nashville, TN is 26.0% more expensive than in Mobile, AL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $910/month in Mobile, AL.

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

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

Mobile, AL vs Nashville, TN: 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 Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $158.7K in Nashville, TN

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

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:110

Median Home:$489K

Mobile, AL

The Heart of Dixie

183K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Nashville, TN

The Volunteer State

689K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Music City USA
•Country music capital
•Healthcare industry hub

Major Industries

Music IndustryHealthcareTourismFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Mobile, AL vs Nashville, TN

Category	Mobile, AL	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,105/mo	$2,651/mo	↑ $546more	26.0%
🏥Healthcare	$466/mo	$607/mo	↑ $141more	30.4%
📦Other	$1,850/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $91.70more	5.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,216/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $68.24more	5.6%
⚡All Utilities	$481/mo	$519/mo	↑ $38.15more	7.9%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$949/mo	↓ $9.30less	1.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 26.0%

Mobile, AL

$2,105

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$546

🏥Healthcare

↑ 30.4%

Mobile, AL

$466

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$141

📦Other

↑ 5.0%

Mobile, AL

$1,850

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$91.70

🚗Transportation

↑ 5.6%

Mobile, AL

$1,216

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$68.24

⚡All Utilities

↑ 7.9%

Mobile, AL

$481

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$38.15

🛒Groceries

↓ 1.0%

Mobile, AL

$959

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$9.30

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$719

To$1,600

↑ $881

1 Bed

From$769

To$1,680

↑ $911

2 Bed

From$910

To$1,840

↑ $930

3 Bed

From$1,189

To$2,350

↑ $1,161

Mobile, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $730–$1,080/mo

Nashville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,230/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

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$876

Difference

Home Values

Mobile

Nashville

$180K

Median Value

$489K

↓ -3.5%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +22.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$55K - $308K

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 172% more expensive than Mobile

Calculate payment - Mobile Calculate payment - Nashville

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

Nashville, TN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Tennessee 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%

Nashville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

💡 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.