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

Mobile

Alabama
66
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Mobile is 53% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,029/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 74%
$51,090/yr ↓ 64%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 177%
$170,300 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 182%
$1,016/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 97%
185,097
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mobile, AL and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $763/month cheaper in Mobile, saving renters about $9,156/year.

Median household income is $90,263/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mobile is $170,300 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mobile vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Mobile or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mobile and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Mobile is $1,029/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $763/month.
Which city has higher income, Mobile or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $51,090 in Mobile and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $90,263/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Mobile has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,029/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mobile details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mobile and The Woodlands

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