salaryMobile is 15% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Mobile to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,983
$1,257
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$1,109
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$57,762
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$193,300
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
88.1
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$968
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$196
👥 People living there
2,711,226
203,416
Commute to work
33.1 min
22.8 min
College degree
44.3%
32%
Own their home
46%
54%
Below poverty line
16.8%
18.4%
Unemployment
8%
5.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Chicago for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
- Pick Mobile for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Chicago | Mobile | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer | $107,810 | $47,000 | -56% in Mobile |
| Firefighter | $82,820 | $46,770 | -44% in Mobile |
| Plumber | $103,380 | $59,410 | -43% in Mobile |
| Electrician | $102,350 | $61,720 | -40% in Mobile |
| Carpenter | $80,440 | $48,540 | -40% in Mobile |
| Dental Hygienist | $100,260 | $60,710 | -39% in Mobile |
| HVAC Technician | $77,960 | $47,960 | -38% in Mobile |
| Nursing Assistant | $46,940 | $30,880 | -34% in Mobile |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago or Mobile cheaper to live in?
Mobile is about 15% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,257 a month there versus $1,983 in Chicago.
What salary do I need in Mobile to match $60,000 in Chicago?
About $51,024 a year gives the same standard of living in Mobile.
Where do people earn more, Chicago or Mobile?
The typical household earns $84,017 in Chicago and $57,762 in Mobile, 45% more in Chicago.