Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Mobile, AL (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Mobile

Alabama
66

Fresno is 53% more expensive than Mobile.

$1,324/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,029/mo ↓ 22%
$66,804/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$51,090/yr ↓ 24%
$348,500 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$170,300 ↓ 51%
$1,391/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 27%
543,615
Population
185,097

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Mobile, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $295/month cheaper in Mobile, saving renters about $3,540/year.

Median household income is $15,714/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $170,300 in Mobile.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Mobile — common questions

Is Fresno or Mobile cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Mobile?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Mobile it's $1,029/month — a difference of $295/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Mobile?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $51,090 in Mobile. Median household income is $15,714/year higher in Fresno.
How do taxes compare between California and Alabama?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Mobile?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Mobile details →

More Comparisons

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