Factors that influence moving costs from New Orleans to Mobiletoggle

The cost of New Orleans movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from New Orleans to Mobile might cost as little as $740, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $4,495.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in New Orleans, 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 $176 to $403. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from New Orleans to Mobile

Moving from New Orleans 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 New Orleans than in Mobile, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

New Orleans Mobile
Average rent cost $1,755 $1,300
Average home value $231,649 $186,159
Average income (per capita) $51,116 $61,962
Cost of living (single person) $3,134 $1,825
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,905 $4,104
Unemployment rate 11.0% 6.2%
Sales tax 10.0% 10.0%
State income tax 4.25% 5.0%
  • Rent prices in Mobile are 26% lower than in New Orleans, 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 19.6% lower than in New Orleans.
  • Income in Mobile is 21.2% higher than in New Orleans, 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 41.8% lower than in New Orleans. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Mobile is 48.1% lower than in New Orleans.
  • The unemployment rate in Mobile is 43.64% lower than in New Orleans.
  • Sales taxes are the same in Mobile and New Orleans.
  • State income taxes in Mobile are 17.65% higher than in New Orleans.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,746.97 in Mobile to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in New Orleans.

How life is different in New Orleans vs. Mobile

Mobile New Orleans
Population 187,041 383,997
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 7
Walkability score 32 58
Bike friendliness score 34 66
Crime Index 64.95 67.31
Safety Index 35.05 32.69
Air Quality Good Good
  • Mobile's population is about 51% less than New Orleans.
  • Mobile's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus New Orleans's higher score of 7.
  • Mobile is less walkable than New Orleans with a score of 32 out of 100 vs New Orleans's 58 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 New Orleans, which has a score of 66 out of 100.
  • Mobile and New Orleans have a similar crime rate.
  • Mobile and New Orleans are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Mobile is good, and in New Orleans it's good.

Other things to consider for your New Orleans 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\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s 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. Youโ€™ll 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

Now that you've made the move to Alabama, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Mobile. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Mobile, such as 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€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an South Alabama Jaguars (Sun Belt) and Spring Hill Badgers (SIAC) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from New Orleans to Mobile?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from New Orleans to Mobile?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from New Orleans 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 New Orleans to Mobile take?

The 147-mile journey from New Orleans, LA to Mobile, AL typically takes one to two days. Some movers in New Orleans 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