salaryMobile is 4% 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
$1,266
$1,257
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,109
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$57,762
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$193,300
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
88.1
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$968
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$196
👥 People living there
212,421
203,416
Commute to work
19.5 min
22.8 min
College degree
29.7%
32%
Own their home
60.5%
54%
Below poverty line
15%
18.4%
Unemployment
5.6%
5.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for higher incomes, shorter commutes, less poverty.
- Pick Mobile for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Mobile | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer | $81,810 | $47,000 | -43% in Mobile |
| Dental Hygienist | $93,660 | $60,710 | -35% in Mobile |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $26,860 | +32% in Mobile |
| Nursing Assistant | $43,940 | $30,880 | -30% in Mobile |
| HVAC Technician | $62,640 | $47,960 | -23% in Mobile |
| Customer Service Representative | $48,880 | $37,690 | -23% in Mobile |
| Medical Assistant | $46,920 | $36,350 | -23% in Mobile |
| Nurse Practitioner | $132,230 | $103,480 | -22% in Mobile |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Mobile cheaper to live in?
Mobile is about 4% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,257 a month there versus $1,266 in Des Moines.
What salary do I need in Mobile to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $57,643 a year gives the same standard of living in Mobile.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Mobile?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $57,762 in Mobile, 23% more in Des Moines.