Cost of Living: Mobile, AL vs Springfield, MO (2026)

Mobile

Alabama
66
VS

Springfield

Missouri
60

Mobile is 10% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,029/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$920/mo ↓ 11%
$51,090/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$45,984/yr ↓ 10%
$170,300 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$165,200 ↓ 3%
$1,016/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$908/mo ↓ 11%
185,097
Population
169,432

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mobile, AL and Springfield, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 60 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $109/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $1,308/year.

Median household income is $5,106/year higher in Mobile. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mobile is $170,300 compared to $165,200 in Springfield.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mobile vs Springfield — common questions

Is Mobile or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 66 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mobile and Springfield?
Median rent in Mobile is $1,029/month and in Springfield it's $920/month — a difference of $109/month.
Which city has higher income, Mobile or Springfield?
Median household income is $51,090 in Mobile and $45,984 in Springfield. Median household income is $5,106/year higher in Mobile.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Missouri?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Mobile or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Mobile has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,029/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 60 with rent of $920/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mobile details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mobile and Springfield

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