Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Mobile, AL (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Mobile

Alabama
66

Louisville is 12% more expensive than Mobile.

$1,069/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,029/mo ↓ 4%
$64,731/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$51,090/yr ↓ 21%
$221,500 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$170,300 ↓ 23%
$1,118/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 9%
627,210
Population
185,097

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Mobile, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $13,641/year higher in Louisville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $170,300 in Mobile.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Louisville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Mobile — common questions

Is Louisville or Mobile cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Mobile?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Mobile it's $1,029/month — a difference of $40/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Mobile?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $51,090 in Mobile. Median household income is $13,641/year higher in Louisville.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Alabama?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Mobile?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/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 Louisville details → View Mobile details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Louisville and Mobile

Louisville vs. Memphis Louisville vs. Baltimore Louisville vs. Detroit Louisville vs. Milwaukee Louisville vs. Portland Louisville vs. Albuquerque Mobile vs. Paradise Mobile vs. Newport News Mobile vs. Tempe Mobile vs. Shreveport Mobile vs. Brownsville Mobile vs. Fort Lauderdale