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

Mobile

Alabama
66
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Mobile is 48% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,029/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 77%
$51,090/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 88%
$170,300 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 138%
$1,016/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 77%
185,097
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mobile, AL and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $796/month cheaper in Mobile, saving renters about $9,552/year.

Median household income is $45,167/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mobile is $170,300 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mobile vs Richardson — common questions

Is Mobile or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mobile and Richardson?
Median rent in Mobile is $1,029/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $796/month.
Which city has higher income, Mobile or Richardson?
Median household income is $51,090 in Mobile and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $45,167/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Mobile has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,029/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mobile details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mobile and Richardson

Mobile vs. Paradise Mobile vs. Newport News Mobile vs. Tempe Mobile vs. Shreveport Mobile vs. Brownsville Mobile vs. Fort Lauderdale Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater