Cost of Living: Mobile, AL vs Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)

Mobile

Alabama
66
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Mobile is 66% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,029/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 73%
$51,090/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↑ 56%
$170,300 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 168%
$1,016/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 75%
185,097
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mobile, AL and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $747/month cheaper in Mobile, saving renters about $8,964/year.

Median household income is $28,845/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mobile is $170,300 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mobile vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Mobile or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mobile and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Mobile is $1,029/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $747/month.
Which city has higher income, Mobile or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $51,090 in Mobile and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $28,845/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Florida?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Mobile or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Mobile has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,029/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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