Factors that influence moving costs from Lafayette to Mobile
What to know before moving from Lafayette to Mobile
Moving from Lafayette to Mobile comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Mobile is generally more expensive than Lafayette, itโs 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:
Lafayette | Mobile | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,825 | $1,300 |
Average home value | $214,264 | $186,159 |
Average income (per capita) | $59,490 | $61,962 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,785 | $1,825 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,208 | $4,104 |
Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 6.2% |
Sales tax | 9.45% | 10.0% |
State income tax | 4.25% | 5.0% |
- Rent prices in Mobile are 54% lower than in Lafayette, 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 13.1% lower than in Lafayette. - Income in Mobile is 4.2% higher than in Lafayette, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Mobile include Infirmary Health, Austal, and City of Mobile.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Mobile, since the cost of living for a single person in Mobile is 2.2% higher than in Lafayette. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Mobile is 2.5% lower than in Lafayette.
- The unemployment rate in Mobile is 6.90% higher than in Lafayette.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Mobile, since the cityโs sales taxes in Mobile are 5.82% higher than in Lafayette.
- State income taxes in Mobile are 17.65% higher than in Lafayette.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,067.23 in Mobile to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lafayette.
How life is different in Lafayette vs. Mobile
Mobile | Lafayette | |
---|---|---|
Population | 187,041 | 121,374 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 3 |
Walkability score | 32 | 42 |
Bike friendliness score | 34 | 47 |
Crime Index | 64.95 | 45.75 |
Safety Index | 35.05 | 54.25 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Mobile's population is about 54% greater than Lafayette.
- Mobile's public transportation has a similar score to Lafayette.
- Mobile is less walkable than Lafayette with a score of 32 out of 100 vs Lafayette's 42 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 Lafayette, which has a score of 47 out of 100.
- Mobile's crime rate is higher than Lafayette with a score of 64.95 compared to Lafayette's 45.75. This means that Mobile neighborhoods are safer than 64.95% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lafayette neighborhoods are safer than 45.75%.
- Mobile is considered to be less safe than Lafayette with a score of 35.05 vs Lafayette's 54.25.
- Air quality in Mobile is good, and in Lafayette it's good.
Other things to consider for your Lafayette 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Alabama moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Alabama doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Mobile. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Mobile
Ready to relocate to "Port City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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 Lafayette to Mobile?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Lafayette to Mobile. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Lafayette.
When is the cheapest time to move from Lafayette to Mobile?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Lafayette 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 Lafayette to Mobile take?
The 255-mile journey from Lafayette, LA to Mobile, AL typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Lafayette 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.