Cost of Living: Glendale, AZ vs Mobile, AL (2026)

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Mobile

Alabama
66

Glendale is 55% more expensive than Mobile.

$1,397/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,029/mo ↓ 26%
$70,139/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$51,090/yr ↓ 27%
$347,000 ↑ 104%
Home Value
$170,300 ↓ 51%
$1,356/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 25%
250,193
Population
185,097

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Mobile, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $368/month cheaper in Mobile, saving renters about $4,416/year.

Median household income is $19,049/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $170,300 in Mobile.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Glendale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Mobile — common questions

Is Glendale or Mobile cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Mobile?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Mobile it's $1,029/month — a difference of $368/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Mobile?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $51,090 in Mobile. Median household income is $19,049/year higher in Glendale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Alabama?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Glendale or Mobile?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/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 Glendale details → View Mobile details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Glendale and Mobile

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