Cost of Living: Mobile, AL vs Kansas City, KS (2026)

Mobile

Alabama
66
VS

Kansas City

Kansas City
65

Mobile and Kansas City have a similar cost of living.

$1,029/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,073/mo ↑ 4%
$51,090/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$59,183/yr ↑ 16%
$170,300 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$147,100 ↓ 14%
$1,016/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,054/mo ↑ 4%
185,097
Population
154,776

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
5.7%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mobile, AL and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,093/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mobile is $170,300 compared to $147,100 in Kansas City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mobile vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Mobile or Kansas City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 66 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mobile and Kansas City?
Median rent in Mobile is $1,029/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $44/month.
Which city has higher income, Mobile or Kansas City?
Median household income is $51,090 in Mobile and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $8,093/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Kansas?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Mobile or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. Mobile has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,029/mo, while Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with rent of $1,073/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mobile details → View Kansas City details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mobile and Kansas City

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