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Mobile, Alabama

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

58
Overall Score

Mobile, Alabama, is a historic port city nestled on the Mobile River at the head of Mobile Bay, serving as Alabama's only deep-water port. Founded by the French in 1702, it is the oldest city in the state and boasts a rich tapestry of French, Spanish, British, and Creole influences evident in its architecture, traditions, and vibrant cultural scene. The city is famously recognized as the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the United States, a tradition celebrated for over 300 years. Mobile maintains an inviting, small-town atmosphere while experiencing economic growth, attracting both businesses and new residents to the Gulf Coast region.

People are drawn to Mobile for its blend of historical charm, cultural richness, and a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average. The city offers a unique lifestyle with immediate access to the Mobile-Tensaw River, championship golf courses, and white-sand beaches just a short drive away. Its strategic location at the intersection of Interstates 10 and 65 also makes it a vital Southern crossroads, contributing to its economic significance and accessibility.

About Alabama

Alabama, located in the southeastern United States, is characterized by its Southern charm, rich history, and diverse natural beauty, ranging from the Appalachian foothills to Gulf Coast beaches. The state's economy has diversified beyond its agricultural roots, with major industries now including automotive manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, banking, and steel production. Living in Alabama generally offers a low cost of living, particularly for housing, which is significantly below the national average. The climate is humid subtropical, featuring hot, humid summers and mild winters with ample sunshine for much of the year, supporting an outdoor-oriented lifestyle.

201,367
Population
$68K
Avg Salary
88
Cost Index
57.7
Quality Score
How this 58/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 35 / 100 35.0 30% 10.5
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 88.0 58.8 25% 14.7
Economy & jobs Median household income: $53,558 Income needed to live here: $55,000 Unemployment rate: 3.3% 52.7 20% 10.5
Growth Population growth rate: no usable reading Job growth rate: 10% 100.0 15% 15.0
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 70 / 100 70.0 10% 7.0
Overall score 57.7

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (Tier 2 (reasoned), q=97 ✓ perfect), last refreshed 3 July 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

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Quality Scores

Business
70
Livability
73
Affordability
100
Growth
80

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Mobile, Alabama, is notably more affordable than the national average, standing approximately 12% lower overall. This affordability extends across various categories, with housing expenses being a significant driver, estimated to be around 31% lower than the national average. While groceries are slightly lower, utility prices in Mobile are reported to be about 5% higher than the national average, with electricity costs being a notable component.

For a single person, estimated monthly costs excluding rent are around $1,015.8, while a family of four might expect to spend approximately $3,678.8 per month, excluding rent. The lower cost of living allows residents to enjoy a higher quality of life, even with median household incomes that are below the national average. This economic advantage makes Mobile an attractive option for those seeking a comfortable and budget-friendly lifestyle.

Average Rent
$1,132/mo
Groceries
$450/mo
Transport
$120/mo
Utilities
$398/mo
Healthcare
$250/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$45.00
Cinema ticket
$14.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$30.00
Monthly groceries
$450.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$138.00

Salary Insights

Mobile's economy is experiencing significant growth, driven by substantial capital investment and job creation. In 2024, the city's economy saw over $422 million in capital investment and nearly 1,400 new jobs. Mobile County added 3,400 jobs from June 2024 to June 2025, and an additional 5,000 jobs from April 2024 to April 2025, indicating a robust job market. The city is emerging as a national hub for innovation, manufacturing, and logistics, with a diverse industrial base that includes aerospace, chemicals & metals, healthcare, marine, and transportation sectors.

The job market in Mobile is characterized by a strong presence in healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Transportation and material moving occupations also account for a significant portion of local employment. The average annual salary in Mobile was reported to be $68,000 as of May 2026, reflecting a competitive wage environment within the region. While the city's unemployment rate is relatively low, the growth in various sectors suggests ongoing opportunities for employment and economic development.

The average salary in Mobile is $68,000 per year. You would need approximately $55,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Retail Trade +1.50% Manufacturing +2.00% Healthcare & Social Assistance +2.00% Professional & Technical Services +1.80% Transportation & Logistics +2.50%

Climate

🌡️
Avg Temp
☀️
Summer High
❄️
Winter Low
🌧️
"
Annual Rain
💧
74.00%
Humidity
🌤️
Sunny Days

Transport

Getting around Mobile primarily relies on personal vehicles, with a high car dependency reflected by 85.5% of workers driving alone to work as of 2025. The average one-way commute time in Mobile is 21.9 minutes, which is shorter than the U.S. average, contributing to a more manageable daily travel experience. While public transportation options exist, only a small fraction of the population, approximately 0.8%, utilizes mass transit.

Mobile has a Walk Score of 61, indicating that it is somewhat walkable, meaning some errands can be accomplished on foot, particularly in certain neighborhoods like the Central Business District. The city experiences a good bit of traffic during rush hour, especially on Interstate 10, but efforts are underway to optimize downtown street traffic flow. Overall, the transportation infrastructure supports a car-centric lifestyle with relatively efficient commute times.

22 min
Avg Commute
20.00/10
Transit Score
61.00/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
The cost of living in Mobile is 12% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Mobile County experienced significant job growth, adding 3,400 jobs from June 2024 to June 2025.
The average commute time of 21.9 minutes is shorter than the U.S. average, improving daily travel.
Mobile Infirmary was recognized among Southern Alabama's Best Regional Hospitals in 2024-25 by U.S. News & World Report.
The city boasts a rich cultural heritage, being the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the United States.
Drawbacks
Mobile's overall crime rate is 67% above the national average, with violent crimes 109% higher.
The city's population is currently declining at an annual rate of -0.61% as of 2026.
Utility prices in Mobile are about 5% higher than the national average.
Public transportation usage is very low, with only 0.8% of the population taking mass transit.
The poverty rate in Mobile was 18.4% in 2024, higher than the national average.

Questions about Mobile

What people ask about living in and moving to Mobile, Alabama.

How are the public schools rated in Mobile? Schools & Education 1 answer

Mobile’s public schools are administered by the city‑county school system, which provides performance data on its website. Overall ratings vary by individual school, with some achieving strong test scores and others facing challenges. The state’s department of education also publishes accountability reports that include graduation rates and proficiency metrics. Prospective parents should review these reports, visit s...

What are the top recreational activities in Mobile? Things to Do 1 answer

Mobile offers a blend of outdoor and cultural attractions. The city’s waterfront area provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and walking along public promenades. There are several historic districts with museums, galleries, and annual festivals that celebrate the region’s heritage. Parks and nature reserves on the outskirts feature hiking trails and bird‑watching spots. For a curated list of events and venues,...

What’s the overall quality of life like in Mobile? General 1 answer

Mobile combines a relatively low cost of living (index 88) with a modest average salary of $68,000, giving many residents a comfortable standard of life. The city’s historic charm, waterfront location, and affordable housing make it attractive, though the safety score of 35 suggests you’ll want to choose neighborhoods carefully. Employment opportunities are strongest in aerospace, shipbuilding, and logistics, while c...

What are the median salaries like for professionals in Mobile? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

The average annual salary in Mobile is $68,000, which is slightly above the national median household income. Engineering roles, especially in sectors such as aerospace, manufacturing, and maritime, often pay at or above this average, reflecting the city’s industrial base. For a more precise figure, consult state labor market reports or the city’s economic development office, which publish occupation‑specific wage da...

Where can I find hospitals or clinics in Mobile? Healthcare 1 answer

Mobile hosts several major hospitals and a range of outpatient clinics that provide emergency, specialty, and primary care services. The city’s health department website lists all licensed facilities, their locations, and the types of services they offer. For emergency care, look for hospitals with trauma centers; for routine check‑ups, you can search the state medical board’s directory to find primary‑care physician...

What should I know about utilities and services when moving to Mobile? Moving Here 1 answer

When you move into a Mobile residence, you’ll need to set up electricity, water, natural gas (if applicable), internet, and trash collection. The city’s public works department provides information on water and waste services, while private companies handle electricity and gas; their contact details are listed on the city’s official website. For broadband, several providers operate in the area, and you can compare pl...

How does the cost of living in Mobile compare to the national average? Cost of Living 1 answer

Mobile’s cost‑of‑living index is 88, meaning expenses are about 12 % lower than the national average of 100. Everyday items such as groceries, utilities, and transportation tend to be cheaper, while housing costs are also below the national median. With an average rent of $1,132 per month, you’ll likely find that your paycheck goes farther than it would in a higher‑cost city. Keep in mind that individual spending hab...

What is the typical rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in Mobile? Housing 1 answer

The average rent across Mobile is $1,132 per month, which includes a mix of one‑, two‑ and larger units. One‑bedroom apartments generally fall near that average, though prices can vary by neighborhood, age of the building, and amenities offered. To find current listings, check online rental platforms, local classifieds, or contact property management firms that operate in the area. It’s also helpful to visit the city...

Is Mobile considered a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

Mobile’s safety score is 35.0 out of 100, indicating higher crime levels compared to many U.S. cities. Crime tends to be concentrated in certain neighborhoods, while other areas experience relatively low incidents. The city’s police department publishes crime statistics and safety maps on its website, which can help you identify safer zones. When house hunting, ask local realtors about crime trends in specific distri...

What public transportation options are available in Mobile? Getting Around 1 answer

Mobile is served by a city‑run transit authority that operates bus routes throughout the urban core and surrounding suburbs. The system provides regular service on weekdays and limited weekend schedules, with fare information and route maps available on the agency’s website. For areas not covered by bus lines, rideshare services and taxi companies operate in the city. If you prefer biking, the city has a growing netw...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Mobile? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.
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