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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Mobile

Alabama
66

Long Beach is 156% more expensive than Mobile.

$1,803/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$1,029/mo ↓ 43%
$83,969/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$51,090/yr ↓ 39%
$762,200 ↑ 348%
Home Value
$170,300 ↓ 78%
$1,890/mo ↑ 86%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 46%
458,491
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

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Mobile, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $774/month cheaper in Mobile, saving renters about $9,288/year.

Median household income is $32,879/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $170,300 in Mobile.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Mobile — common questions

Is Long Beach or Mobile cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Mobile?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Mobile it's $1,029/month — a difference of $774/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Mobile?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $51,090 in Mobile. Median household income is $32,879/year higher in Long Beach.
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 Long Beach or Mobile?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Mobile details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Long Beach and Mobile

Long Beach vs. Raleigh Long Beach vs. Virginia Beach Long Beach vs. Colorado Springs Long Beach vs. Miami Long Beach vs. Omaha Long Beach vs. Oakland Mobile vs. Paradise Mobile vs. Newport News Mobile vs. Tempe Mobile vs. Shreveport Mobile vs. Brownsville Mobile vs. Fort Lauderdale