Cost of Living: Mobile, AL vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Mobile

Alabama
66
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Mobile is 41% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,029/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 42%
$51,090/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↑ 25%
$170,300 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 131%
$1,016/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 52%
185,097
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.41%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mobile, AL and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $434/month cheaper in Mobile, saving renters about $5,208/year.

Median household income is $12,784/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mobile is $170,300 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mobile vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Mobile or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mobile and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Mobile is $1,029/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $434/month.
Which city has higher income, Mobile or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $51,090 in Mobile and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $12,784/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and New Jersey?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Mobile or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Mobile has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,029/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mobile details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mobile and Elizabeth

Mobile vs. Paradise Mobile vs. Newport News Mobile vs. Tempe Mobile vs. Shreveport Mobile vs. Brownsville Mobile vs. Fort Lauderdale Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland