Cost of Living in Mobile, AL

An Overview of Cost of Living in Mobile, AL

Knowing the cost of living in Mobile allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Mobile stands at 90, marking it 10% lower than the national average.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, goods and services, transportation and health care in Mobile are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Mobile can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Mobile?

Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 15 residents in Mobile to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 40% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 60% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.

Is Mobile Affordable?

Is Mobile affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Mobile, for instance, where the median home price falls 27.4% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 8% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Mobile flaunting a median household income of $43,456, 21.4% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Mobile?

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday goods and services, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Mobile, the standard sales tax rate starts at 4%, and the income tax rates commence at 2%.

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Mobile, the transportation index is 7.4% lower than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Mobile, the healthcare costs are 6.3% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in Mobile displayed above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, which serves as a practical tool for comparing living expenses across urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, this index aggregates data from over 300 independent researchers, encompassing more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. The weightings assigned to cost differences rely on government survey data that tracks the spending habits of professional and executive households. It's worth noting that the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, while AreaVibes integrates tax rates into the overall cost of living evaluation for each region.