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

Mobile

Alabama
66
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Mobile is 13% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,029/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↑ 17%
$51,090/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↑ 26%
$170,300 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$193,600 ↑ 14%
$1,016/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↑ 12%
185,097
Population
149,345

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mobile, AL and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $172/month cheaper in Mobile, saving renters about $2,064/year.

Median household income is $13,180/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mobile is $170,300 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mobile vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Mobile or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mobile and Pasadena?
Median rent in Mobile is $1,029/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $172/month.
Which city has higher income, Mobile or Pasadena?
Median household income is $51,090 in Mobile and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $13,180/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Mobile has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,029/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mobile details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mobile and Pasadena

Mobile vs. Paradise Mobile vs. Newport News Mobile vs. Tempe Mobile vs. Shreveport Mobile vs. Brownsville Mobile vs. Fort Lauderdale Pasadena vs. Naperville Pasadena vs. Mesquite Pasadena vs. Surprise Pasadena vs. Pomona Pasadena vs. Joliet Pasadena vs. Bridgeport