Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Mobile, AL (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Mobile

Alabama
66

Atlanta is 85% more expensive than Mobile.

$1,617/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$1,029/mo ↓ 36%
$81,938/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$51,090/yr ↓ 38%
$420,600 ↑ 147%
Home Value
$170,300 ↓ 60%
$1,695/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 40%
499,287
Population
185,097

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Mobile, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $588/month cheaper in Mobile, saving renters about $7,056/year.

Median household income is $30,848/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $170,300 in Mobile.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Mobile slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Mobile — common questions

Is Atlanta or Mobile cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Mobile?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Mobile it's $1,029/month — a difference of $588/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Mobile?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $51,090 in Mobile. Median household income is $30,848/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Alabama?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Mobile?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while Mobile has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,029/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Atlanta details → View Mobile details →

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