Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs Mobile, AL (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Mobile

Alabama
66

Tempe is 54% more expensive than Mobile.

$1,623/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,029/mo ↓ 37%
$77,643/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$51,090/yr ↓ 34%
$421,900 ↑ 148%
Home Value
$170,300 ↓ 60%
$1,554/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 35%
186,419
Population
185,097

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.0%
5.6%
Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Mobile, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $594/month cheaper in Mobile, saving renters about $7,128/year.

Median household income is $26,553/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $170,300 in Mobile.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Tempe slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Mobile — common questions

Is Tempe or Mobile cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Mobile?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Mobile it's $1,029/month — a difference of $594/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Mobile?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $51,090 in Mobile. Median household income is $26,553/year higher in Tempe.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Alabama?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Tempe or Mobile?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Mobile details →