Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Mobile, AL?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 3.3% more expensive than Mobile, AL. This translates to spending an extra $248 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Mobile, AL, you'd need approximately $152,976.168 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 17.3% more expensive than in Mobile, AL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $910/month in Mobile, AL.

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

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $248 more per month than Mobile, AL, or $2976 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Mobile, AL vs Raleigh, NC: 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 $248/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.0K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 3.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$248

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.0K

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:103

Median Home:$512K

Mobile, AL

The Heart of Dixie

183K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Mobile, AL vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Mobile, AL	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,105/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $364more	17.3%
📦Other	$1,850/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $143less	7.7%
🏥Healthcare	$466/mo	$601/mo	↑ $135more	29.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,216/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $68.24more	5.6%
⚡All Utilities	$481/mo	$546/mo	↑ $65.47more	13.6%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	↑ $0.69more	0.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 17.3%

Mobile, AL

$2,105

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$364

📦Other

↓ 7.7%

Mobile, AL

$1,850

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$143

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 29.1%

Mobile, AL

$466

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$135

🚗Transportation

↑ 5.6%

Mobile, AL

$1,216

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$68.24

⚡All Utilities

↑ 13.6%

Mobile, AL

$481

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$65.47

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.1%

Mobile, AL

$959

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$0.69

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$719

To$1,570

↑ $851

1 Bed

From$769

To$1,640

↑ $871

2 Bed

From$910

To$1,800

↑ $890

3 Bed

From$1,189

To$2,255

↑ $1,066

Mobile, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $730–$1,080/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$491

Difference

Home Values

Mobile

Raleigh

$180K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -3.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +22.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$55K - $308K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 185% more expensive than Mobile

Calculate payment - Mobile Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Raleigh, 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%

Raleigh, 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.