Factors that influence moving costs from Miami to Mobile
What to know before moving from Miami to Mobile
Moving from Miami 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 Miami than in Mobile, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Miami compares to Mobile so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Miami | Mobile | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,990 | $1,300 |
Average home value | $579,925 | $186,159 |
Average income (per capita) | $54,858 | $61,962 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,103 | $1,825 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,450 | $4,104 |
Unemployment rate | 8.3% | 6.2% |
Sales tax | 7.0% | 10.0% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 5.0% |
- Rent prices in Mobile are 57% lower than in Miami, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Mobile.
Home prices in Mobile are 67.9% lower than in Miami. - Income in Mobile is 12.9% higher than in Miami, so you could earn more 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 41.2% lower than in Miami. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Mobile is 44.9% lower than in Miami.
- The unemployment rate in Mobile is 25.30% lower than in Miami.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Mobile, since the cityโs sales taxes in Mobile are 42.86% higher than in Miami.
- State income taxes in Mobile are 5.00% higher than in Miami.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,764.42 in Mobile to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Miami.
How life is different in Miami vs. Mobile
Mobile | Miami | |
---|---|---|
Population | 187,041 | 442,241 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 8 |
Walkability score | 32 | 77 |
Bike friendliness score | 34 | 64 |
Crime Index | 64.95 | 52.54 |
Safety Index | 35.05 | 47.46 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Mobile's population is about 58% less than Miami.
- Mobile's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Miami's higher score of 8.
- Mobile is less walkable than Miami with a score of 32 out of 100 vs Miami's 77 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 Miami, which has a score of 64 out of 100.
- Mobile's crime rate is higher than Miami with a score of 64.95 compared to Miami's 52.54. This means that Mobile neighborhoods are safer than 64.95% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Miami neighborhoods are safer than 52.54%.
- Mobile is considered to be less safe than Miami with a score of 35.05 vs Miami's 47.46.
- Air quality in Mobile is good, and in Miami it's good.
Other things to consider for your Miami 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 youโre settled into your new home in Alabama, itโs time to get out and discover what Mobile has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs 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 cityโs 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 Miami to Mobile?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Miami to Mobile. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Miami.
When is the cheapest time to move from Miami to Mobile?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Miami 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 Miami to Mobile take?
The 721-mile journey from Miami, FL to Mobile, AL typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Miami 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.