Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Mobile, AL (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Mobile

Alabama
66

Dallas is 47% more expensive than Mobile.

$1,403/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,029/mo ↓ 27%
$67,760/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$51,090/yr ↓ 25%
$295,300 ↑ 73%
Home Value
$170,300 ↓ 42%
$1,409/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 28%
1,299,553
Population
185,097

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Mobile, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $374/month cheaper in Mobile, saving renters about $4,488/year.

Median household income is $16,670/year higher in Dallas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $170,300 in Mobile.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Mobile — common questions

Is Dallas or Mobile cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Mobile?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Mobile it's $1,029/month — a difference of $374/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Mobile?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $51,090 in Mobile. Median household income is $16,670/year higher in Dallas.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Alabama?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Mobile?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View Mobile details →

More Comparisons

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