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

Mobile

Alabama
66
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Mobile is 33% cheaper than Midland.

$1,029/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 37%
$51,090/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↑ 78%
$170,300 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$298,600 ↑ 75%
$1,016/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↑ 44%
185,097
Population
133,998

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
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mobile, AL and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $378/month cheaper in Mobile, saving renters about $4,536/year.

Median household income is $40,079/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mobile is $170,300 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mobile vs Midland — common questions

Is Mobile or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mobile and Midland?
Median rent in Mobile is $1,029/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $378/month.
Which city has higher income, Mobile or Midland?
Median household income is $51,090 in Mobile and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $40,079/year higher in Midland.
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 Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Mobile has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,029/mo, while Midland has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mobile details → View Midland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mobile and Midland

Mobile vs. Paradise Mobile vs. Newport News Mobile vs. Tempe Mobile vs. Shreveport Mobile vs. Brownsville Mobile vs. Fort Lauderdale Midland vs. Kent Midland vs. Coral Springs Midland vs. Stamford Midland vs. Sterling Heights Midland vs. Elizabeth Midland vs. New Haven