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

Mobile

Alabama
66
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Mobile is 27% cheaper than College Station.

$1,029/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↑ 14%
$51,090/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↑ 1%
$170,300 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 92%
$1,016/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 23%
185,097
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mobile, AL and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $139/month cheaper in Mobile, saving renters about $1,668/year.

Median household income is $686/year higher in College Station. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mobile is $170,300 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mobile vs College Station — common questions

Is Mobile or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mobile and College Station?
Median rent in Mobile is $1,029/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $139/month.
Which city has higher income, Mobile or College Station?
Median household income is $51,090 in Mobile and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $686/year higher in College Station.
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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Mobile has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,029/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mobile details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mobile and College Station

Mobile vs. Paradise Mobile vs. Newport News Mobile vs. Tempe Mobile vs. Shreveport Mobile vs. Brownsville Mobile vs. Fort Lauderdale College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette