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

Mobile

Alabama
66
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Mobile is 52% cheaper than Allen.

$1,029/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 82%
$51,090/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 153%
$170,300 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 152%
$1,016/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 105%
185,097
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mobile, AL and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $848/month cheaper in Mobile, saving renters about $10,176/year.

Median household income is $78,040/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mobile is $170,300 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mobile vs Allen — common questions

Is Mobile or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mobile and Allen?
Median rent in Mobile is $1,029/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $848/month.
Which city has higher income, Mobile or Allen?
Median household income is $51,090 in Mobile and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $78,040/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Texas?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Mobile or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Mobile has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,029/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mobile details → View Allen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mobile and Allen

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