Cost of Living: Mobile, AL vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Mobile

Alabama
66
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Mobile is 45% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,029/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 66%
$51,090/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↑ 36%
$170,300 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 117%
$1,016/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 64%
185,097
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mobile, AL and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $680/month cheaper in Mobile, saving renters about $8,160/year.

Median household income is $18,171/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mobile is $170,300 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over Alabama's 5.0% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mobile vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Mobile or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mobile and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Mobile is $1,029/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $680/month.
Which city has higher income, Mobile or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $51,090 in Mobile and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $18,171/year higher in West Palm Beach.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Florida?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Mobile or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Mobile has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,029/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Mobile details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mobile and West Palm Beach

Mobile vs. Paradise Mobile vs. Newport News Mobile vs. Tempe Mobile vs. Shreveport Mobile vs. Brownsville Mobile vs. Fort Lauderdale West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings