Cost of Living: Mobile, AL vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Mobile

Alabama
66
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Mobile is 12% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,029/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 3%
$51,090/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 10%
$170,300 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 27%
$1,016/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 4%
185,097
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
10.9%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mobile, AL and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,245/year higher in Mobile. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mobile is $170,300 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Mobile slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mobile vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Mobile or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 66 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mobile and Syracuse?
Median rent in Mobile is $1,029/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $31/month.
Which city has higher income, Mobile or Syracuse?
Median household income is $51,090 in Mobile and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $5,245/year higher in Mobile.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and New York?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Mobile or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Mobile has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,029/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mobile details → View Syracuse details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mobile and Syracuse

Mobile vs. Paradise Mobile vs. Newport News Mobile vs. Tempe Mobile vs. Shreveport Mobile vs. Brownsville Mobile vs. Fort Lauderdale Syracuse vs. Denton Syracuse vs. McAllen Syracuse vs. Savannah Syracuse vs. Olathe Syracuse vs. Rockford Syracuse vs. Gainesville