Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Mobile, AL (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Mobile

Alabama
66

Baltimore is 27% more expensive than Mobile.

$1,290/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,029/mo ↓ 20%
$59,623/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$51,090/yr ↓ 14%
$219,300 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$170,300 ↓ 22%
$1,333/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 24%
577,193
Population
185,097

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Mobile, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $261/month cheaper in Mobile, saving renters about $3,132/year.

Median household income is $8,533/year higher in Baltimore. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $170,300 in Mobile.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Mobile — common questions

Is Baltimore or Mobile cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Mobile?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Mobile it's $1,029/month — a difference of $261/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Mobile?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $51,090 in Mobile. Median household income is $8,533/year higher in Baltimore.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Alabama?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Mobile?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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 Baltimore details → View Mobile details →

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