Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Mobile, AL (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Mobile

Alabama
66

Newark is 52% more expensive than Mobile.

$1,330/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,029/mo ↓ 23%
$48,416/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$51,090/yr ↑ 6%
$337,800 ↑ 98%
Home Value
$170,300 ↓ 50%
$1,419/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 28%
307,188
Population
185,097

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Mobile, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $301/month cheaper in Mobile, saving renters about $3,612/year.

Median household income is $2,674/year higher in Mobile. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $170,300 in Mobile.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Mobile — common questions

Is Newark or Mobile cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Mobile?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Mobile it's $1,029/month — a difference of $301/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Mobile?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $51,090 in Mobile. Median household income is $2,674/year higher in Mobile.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Alabama?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Mobile?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Mobile has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,029/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Mobile details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Newark and Mobile

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