Cost of Living: Mobile, AL vs Hampton, VA (2026)

Mobile

Alabama
66
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Mobile is 25% cheaper than Hampton.

$1,029/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↑ 31%
$51,090/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↑ 33%
$170,300 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$234,100 ↑ 37%
$1,016/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↑ 33%
185,097
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mobile, AL and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $317/month cheaper in Mobile, saving renters about $3,804/year.

Median household income is $16,668/year higher in Hampton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mobile is $170,300 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mobile vs Hampton — common questions

Is Mobile or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mobile and Hampton?
Median rent in Mobile is $1,029/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $317/month.
Which city has higher income, Mobile or Hampton?
Median household income is $51,090 in Mobile and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $16,668/year higher in Hampton.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Virginia?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Mobile or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Mobile has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,029/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mobile details → View Hampton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mobile and Hampton

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