Factors that influence moving costs from Washington DC to Mobiletoggle

The cost of Washington DC movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Washington DC to Mobile might cost as little as $1,385, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $8,124.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Washington DC, 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 $774 to $1,940. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Washington DC to Mobile

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

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

Washington DC Mobile
Average rent cost $2,400 $1,300
Average home value $594,337 $186,159
Average income (per capita) $101,722 $61,962
Cost of living (single person) $3,963 $1,825
Cost of living (family of 4) $11,093 $4,104
Unemployment rate 7.0% 6.2%
Sales tax 6.0% 10.0%
State income tax 5.75% 5.0%
  • Rent prices in Mobile are 46% lower than in Washington DC, 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 68.7% lower than in Washington DC.
  • Income in Mobile is 39.1% lower than in Washington DC, 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 53.9% lower than in Washington DC. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Mobile is 63.0% lower than in Washington DC.
  • The unemployment rate in Mobile is 11.43% lower than in Washington DC.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Mobile, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Mobile are 66.67% higher than in Washington DC.
  • One perk of moving to Mobile is paying less in state income taxes, which are 13.04% lower than in Washington DC.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,381.53 in Mobile to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Washington DC.

How life is different in Washington DC vs. Mobile

Mobile Washington DC
Population 187,041 705,749
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 9
Walkability score 32 77
Bike friendliness score 34 70
Crime Index 64.95 60.37
Safety Index 35.05 39.63
Air Quality Good Good
  • Mobile's population is about 73% less than Washington DC.
  • Mobile's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Washington DC's higher score of 9.
  • Mobile is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 32 out of 100 vs Washington DC'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 Washington DC, which has a score of 70 out of 100.
  • Mobile's crime rate is higher than Washington DC with a score of 64.95 compared to Washington DC's 60.37. This means that Mobile neighborhoods are safer than 64.95% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37%.
  • Mobile is considered to be less safe than Washington DC with a score of 35.05 vs Washington DC's 39.63.
  • Air quality in Mobile is good, and in Washington DC it's good.

Other things to consider for your Washington DC 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

After getting comfortable in your new Alabama home, itโ€™s time to see what Mobile is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ€” thereโ€™s plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Mobile include museums and art centers like 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€” and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on 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 Washington DC to Mobile?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Mobile?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Washington DC 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 Washington DC to Mobile take?

The 967-mile journey from Washington DC, MD to Mobile, AL typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Washington DC 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