Factors influencing moving costs from Mobile to Bostontoggle

The cost of Mobile movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Mobile to Boston can be as low as $1,562 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 10,190.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Mobile, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,065 to $2,654. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Mobile to Boston

Moving from Mobile to Boston comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Boston is generally more expensive than Mobile, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Mobile Boston
Average rent cost $1,300 $3,400
Average home value $186,159 $739,121
Average income (per capita) $61,962 $89,212
Cost of living (single person) $1,825 $4,820
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,104 $11,304
Unemployment rate 6.2% 6.2%
Sales tax 10.0% 6.25%
State income tax 5.0% 9.0%
  • Rent prices in Boston are 162% higher than in Mobile, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Mobile.
    Home prices in Boston are 297.0% higher than in Mobile.
  • Income in Boston is 44.0% higher than in Mobile, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Boston include General Electric, Fidelity Investments, and Liberty Mutual Insurance.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Boston, since the cost of living for a single person in Boston is 164.1% higher than in Mobile. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Boston, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Boston is 175.4% higher than in Mobile.
  • The unemployment rate in Boston and Mobile.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Boston, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Boston are 37.50% lower than in Mobile.
  • State income taxes in Boston are 80.00% higher than in Mobile.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $7,923.29 in Boston to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Mobile.

How life is different in Mobile vs. Boston

Boston Mobile
Population 675,647 187,041
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 3
Walkability score 98 32
Bike friendliness score 86 34
Crime Index 39.88 64.95
Safety Index 60.12 35.05
Air Quality Good Good
  • Boston's population is about 261% greater than Mobile.
  • Boston's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Mobile's lower score of 3.
  • Boston is more walkable than Mobile with a score of 98 out of 100 vs Mobile's 32 out of 100.
  • With a score of 86 out of 100, Boston is more bike-friendly than Mobile, which has a score of 34 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Boston's crime rate is lower than Mobile with a score of 39.88 compared to Mobile's 64.95. This means that Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Mobile neighborhoods are safer than 64.95%.
  • Boston is considered to be safer than Mobile with a safety index of 60.12 vs Mobile's 35.05.
  • Air quality in Boston is good, and in Mobile it's good.

Other things to consider for your Mobile vs. Boston move

  • Weather: Boston summers are typically warm and humid, while winters are cold and stormy, with occasional periods of heavy snow. Spring and fall are usually cool to mild.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: Moving companies in Massachusetts are required to obtain a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities โ€“ Transportation Oversight Division to provide local and intrastate moving services in Massachusetts movers must carry adequate cargo insurance and publicly file their tariffs required to list the services they provide and the cost for each. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Massachusetts moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Massachusetts does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Boston. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.In Alabama and Massachusetts, Released Value Protection is a no-cost option provided by movers but offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. If you seek full value coverage for your items, consider consulting with your moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Boston

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Athens of America", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Boston.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Allston-Brighton
  • Back Bay-Beacon Hill
  • East Boston
  • Jamaica Plain
  • South Boston

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Charlestown
  • East Boston
  • Hyde Park
  • Roslindale
  • West Roxbury

Things to do in Boston

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Massachusetts, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Boston has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Boston features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, John F. Kennedy Presidential Museum & Library, Museum of Science, and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Boston Public Garden, Boston Common, Arnold Arboretum, and Charles River Esplanade โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Boston Red Sox (MLB), Boston Bruins (NHL), Boston Celtics (NBA), or New England Patriots (NFL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Mobile to Boston?

The best time to move from Mobile to Boston is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Mobile.

When is the cheapest time to move from Mobile to Boston?

Because most people are moving from Mobile to Boston in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Mobile to Boston take?

The 1,407-mile move from Mobile, AL, to Boston, MA, takes three to eight days. Some Mobile movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Boston.

Helpful moving resources