Factors that influence moving costs from Irvine to Mobiletoggle

The cost of Irvine movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Irvine to Mobile might cost as little as $1,595, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $11,940.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Irvine, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $1,404 to $3,496. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Irvine to Mobile

Moving from Irvine to Mobile means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Irvine than in Mobile, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Irvine compares to Mobile so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Irvine Mobile
Average rent cost $4,000 $1,300
Average home value $1,561,760 $186,159
Average income (per capita) $114,027 $61,962
Cost of living (single person) $9,167 $1,825
Cost of living (family of 4) $18,000 $4,104
Unemployment rate 5.4% 6.2%
Sales tax 7.75% 10.0%
State income tax 13.3% 5.0%
  • Rent prices in Mobile are 68% lower than in Irvine, which means youโ€™ll have more 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 Mobile are 88.1% lower than in Irvine.
  • Income in Mobile is 45.7% lower than in Irvine, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Mobile include Infirmary Health, Austal, and City of Mobile.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Mobile is 80.1% lower than in Irvine. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Mobile is 77.2% lower than in Irvine.
  • The unemployment rate in Mobile is 14.81% higher than in Irvine.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Mobile, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Mobile are 29.03% higher than in Irvine.
  • One perk of moving to Mobile is paying less in state income taxes, which are 62.41% lower than in Irvine.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $597.25 in Mobile to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Irvine.

How life is different in Irvine vs. Mobile

Mobile Irvine
Population 187,041 307,670
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 4
Walkability score 32 43
Bike friendliness score 34 69
Crime Index 64.95 31.01
Safety Index 35.05 68.99
Air Quality Good Good
  • Mobile's population is about 39% less than Irvine.
  • Mobile's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Irvine's higher score of 4.
  • Mobile is less walkable than Irvine with a score of 32 out of 100 vs Irvine's 43 out of 100.
  • Mobile has a bike-friendliness score 34 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Irvine, which has a score of 69 out of 100.
  • Mobile's crime rate is higher than Irvine with a score of 64.95 compared to Irvine's 31.01. This means that Mobile neighborhoods are safer than 64.95% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Irvine neighborhoods are safer than 31.01%.
  • Mobile is considered to be less safe than Irvine with a score of 35.05 vs Irvine's 68.99.
  • Air quality in Mobile is good, and in Irvine it's good.

Other things to consider for your Irvine vs. Mobile move

  • Weather: October, April and November are the most pleasant months in Mobile, so consider this in your plans in moving to Mobile City. Mobile City experiences extreme heat on summer and rainy days on winter.
  • 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: To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Alabama moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Alabama 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 Mobile. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Mobile

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Port City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Mobile.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Spanish Fort
  • Point Clear
  • Tillmans Corner
  • Theodore
  • Chickasaw

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Point Clear
  • Saraland
  • Loxley
  • Satsuma
  • Semmes

Things to do in Mobile

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

  • Arts and culture: Mobile features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the GulfQuest - National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico, Battleship USS ALABAMA, Mobile Carnival Museum, History Museum of Mobile, and Richards DAR House Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Mobile Bay, Mobile Botanical Gardens, Bienville Square, and Medal of Honor Park 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 South Alabama Jaguars (Sun Belt) and Spring Hill Badgers (SIAC) game.

FAQ

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

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Irvine to Mobile. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Irvine.

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

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Irvine to Mobile, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Irvine to Mobile take?

The 1,998-mile journey from Irvine, CA to Mobile, AL typically takes five to 16 days. Some movers in Irvine offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Mobile.

Helpful moving resources