Alabama · Population 185,097 · Updated March 2026
How far your income goes in Mobile
State-level tax rates that affect your costs
Mobile is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 66 (where 100 equals the national median), Mobile residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,029/month while earning a median household income of $51,090/year.
The median home value in Mobile, AL is $170,300, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,016 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 24.2% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.
Alabama has a moderate income tax rate of 5.0%. Combined with a 4.0% sales tax rate and 0.41% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Mobile.
Common questions about living costs in Mobile