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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Mobile

Alabama
66

Tucson is 15% more expensive than Mobile.

$1,079/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,029/mo ↓ 5%
$54,546/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$51,090/yr ↓ 6%
$242,200 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$170,300 ↓ 30%
$1,076/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,016/mo ↓ 6%
543,348
Population
185,097

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Mobile, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $50/month cheaper in Mobile, saving renters about $600/year.

Median household income is $3,456/year higher in Tucson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $170,300 in Mobile.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Mobile — common questions

Is Tucson or Mobile cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mobile is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Mobile?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Mobile it's $1,029/month — a difference of $50/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Mobile?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $51,090 in Mobile. Median household income is $3,456/year higher in Tucson.
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 Tucson or Mobile?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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 Tucson details → View Mobile details →

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