salaryMobile is the 2nd-largest city in Alabama that we track, with 203,416 residents. Rent is lower than in 72% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs about 3.3 years of household income.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $50,280 a year. That is $24 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Alabama cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of Alabama. It is number 68 of 120 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
Compare Mobile with other big cities
Compare Mobile to 149 other cities →
How much do households earn in Mobile?
Share of households by yearly income. 17.4% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Mobile
| Size | Mobile | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $903 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $940 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,109 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,305 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,391 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Mobile overall?
Everyday prices in the Mobile metro area are 12% below the U.S. average (index 88.1, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Mobile
Life in Mobile
What jobs pay in Mobile
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $134,570 | 11.2% |
| Lawyer | $130,490 | 11.6% |
| Software Developer | $122,540 | 12.3% |
| Civil Engineer | $107,810 | 14.0% |
| Operations Manager | $106,690 | 14.1% |
| Physician Assistant | $104,960 | 14.4% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $103,480 | 14.6% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $94,350 | 16.0% |
| Registered Nurse | $79,490 | 19.0% |
| Accountant | $72,130 | 20.9% |
| Electrician | $61,720 | 24.4% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $60,970 | 24.7% |
| Dental Hygienist | $60,710 | 24.8% |
| Market Research Analyst | $60,340 | 25.0% |
| Plumber | $59,410 | 25.4% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $57,030 | 26.4% |
| Truck Driver | $51,010 | 29.6% |
| Carpenter | $48,540 | 31.1% |
| HVAC Technician | $47,960 | 31.5% |
| Police Officer | $47,000 | 32.1% |
| Firefighter | $46,770 | 32.3% |
| Customer Service Representative | $37,690 | 40.0% |
| Warehouse Worker | $37,230 | 40.5% |
| Medical Assistant | $36,350 | 41.5% |
| Restaurant Cook | $33,030 | 45.7% |
| Nursing Assistant | $30,880 | 48.8% |
| Retail Salesperson | $29,710 | 50.8% |
| Cashier | $28,240 | 53.4% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $26,860 | 56.2% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Mobile?
Renting is cheaper right now: about $84 a month less.
Owning assumes a typical $193,300 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $19,330 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Mobile, AL?
Renting in Mobile costs a median of about $1,257 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Alabama median is $1,175.
How much do I need to make to live in Mobile?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $50,280 a year, or $24 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Mobile cheap or expensive?
Mobile is rated OK: rent takes 26.1% of the typical household income of $57,762. It ranks 68th cheapest of 120 Alabama cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Mobile?
The median homeowner in Mobile pays $968 a year in property taxes, about 0.50% of the median home value.
Is Mobile more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 12% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Mobile?
The median home value in Mobile is $193,300, about 3.3 times the typical yearly household income.
203,416 people live in Mobile. Numbers are typical (middle) values.