Cost of Living: Mobile, AL vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Mobile

Alabama
66
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Mobile is 15% cheaper than Chattanooga.

$1,029/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↑ 12%
$51,090/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↑ 19%
$170,300 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$259,200 ↑ 52%
$1,016/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↑ 9%
185,097
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
Sales Tax
7.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mobile, AL and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $126/month cheaper in Mobile, saving renters about $1,512/year.

Median household income is $9,938/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mobile is $170,300 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mobile vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Mobile or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mobile and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Mobile is $1,029/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $126/month.
Which city has higher income, Mobile or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $51,090 in Mobile and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $9,938/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Tennessee?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Mobile or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Mobile has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,029/mo, while Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,155/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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