Is Tampa, FL cheaper than Mobile, AL?

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

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

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

How does housing cost compare between Mobile, AL and Tampa, FL?

Housing in Tampa, FL is 28.4% more expensive than in Mobile, AL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,290/month in Tampa, FL compared to $910/month in Mobile, AL.

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

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

Mobile, AL vs Tampa, FL: 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 spend $727/month more in Tampa, FL

$150.0K in your current city equals $158.7K in Tampa, FL

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

100 = national average

Median Home:$180K

Tampa, FL

Population:385K

Cost Index:

110

(10% above avg)

Median Home:$367K

Mobile, AL

The Heart of Dixie

183K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Tampa, FL

The Sunshine State

385K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major Tampa Bay area
•No state income tax
•Growing tech scene

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyHealthcareTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Mobile, AL vs Tampa, FL

Category	Mobile, AL	Tampa, FL	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,105/mo	$2,703/mo	↑ $598more	28.4%
Healthcare	$466/mo	$570/mo	↑ $104more	22.4%
All Utilities	$481/mo	$574/mo	↑ $92.79more	19.3%
Transportation	$1,216/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $68.24more	5.6%
Groceries	$959/mo	$1,019/mo	↑ $60.65more	6.3%
Other	$1,850/mo	$1,808/mo	↓ $42.22less	2.3%

Housing

↑ 28.4%

Mobile, AL

$2,105

Tampa, FL

$2,703

Difference

$598

Healthcare

↑ 22.4%

Mobile, AL

$466

Tampa, FL

$570

Difference

$104

All Utilities

↑ 19.3%

Mobile, AL

$481

Tampa, FL

$574

Difference

$92.79

Transportation

↑ 5.6%

Mobile, AL

$1,216

Tampa, FL

$1,284

Difference

$68.24

Groceries

↑ 6.3%

Mobile, AL

$959

Tampa, FL

$1,019

Difference

$60.65

Other

↓ 2.3%

Mobile, AL

$1,850

Tampa, FL

$1,808

Difference

$42.22

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$719

To$1,850

↑ $1,131

1 Bed

From$769

To$1,960

↑ $1,191

2 Bed

From$910

To$2,290

↑ $1,380

3 Bed

From$1,189

To$2,930

↑ $1,741

Mobile, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $730–$1,080/mo

Tampa, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,410–$2,550/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

$7,958

Monthly in Tampa, FL

$882

Difference

Home Values

Mobile

Tampa

$180K

Median Value

$367K

↓ -3.5%

YoY Change

↓ -4%

↑ +22.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +42.1%

$55K - $308K

Price Range

$251K - $989K

Homes in Tampa are 104% more expensive than Mobile

Calculate payment - Mobile Calculate payment - Tampa

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

Tampa, FL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Florida 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%

Tampa, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

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.