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

Mobile

Alabama
66
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Mobile is 20% cheaper than Odessa.

$1,029/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↑ 28%
$51,090/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 43%
$170,300 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$208,000 ↑ 22%
$1,016/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 23%
185,097
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mobile, AL and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $293/month cheaper in Mobile, saving renters about $3,516/year.

Median household income is $21,940/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mobile is $170,300 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mobile vs Odessa — common questions

Is Mobile or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mobile and Odessa?
Median rent in Mobile is $1,029/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $293/month.
Which city has higher income, Mobile or Odessa?
Median household income is $51,090 in Mobile and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $21,940/year higher in Odessa.
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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Mobile has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,029/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mobile details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mobile and Odessa

Mobile vs. Paradise Mobile vs. Newport News Mobile vs. Tempe Mobile vs. Shreveport Mobile vs. Brownsville Mobile vs. Fort Lauderdale Odessa vs. Elgin Odessa vs. Springfield Odessa vs. Provo Odessa vs. Beaumont Odessa vs. Waterbury Odessa vs. Gresham