Factors that influence moving costs from Detroit to Mobiletoggle

The cost of Detroit movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Detroit to Mobile might cost as little as $1,455, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $8,449.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Detroit, 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 $781 to $1,844. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Detroit to Mobile

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

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

Detroit Mobile
Average rent cost $1,250 $1,300
Average home value $73,156 $186,159
Average income (per capita) $37,761 $61,962
Cost of living (single person) $2,500 $1,825
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,687 $4,104
Unemployment rate 9.06% 6.2%
Sales tax 6.0% 10.0%
State income tax 4.25% 5.0%
  • Rent prices in Mobile are 4% higher than in Detroit, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Detroit.
    Home prices in Mobile are 154.5% higher than in Detroit.
  • Income in Mobile is 64.1% higher than in Detroit, 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 27.0% lower than in Detroit. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Mobile is 38.6% lower than in Detroit.
  • The unemployment rate in Mobile is 31.57% lower than in Detroit.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Mobile, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Mobile are 66.67% higher than in Detroit.
  • State income taxes in Mobile are 17.65% higher than in Detroit.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,190.00 in Mobile to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Detroit.

How life is different in Detroit vs. Mobile

Mobile Detroit
Population 187,041 639,111
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 7
Walkability score 32 51
Bike friendliness score 34 52
Crime Index 64.95 72.92
Safety Index 35.05 27.08
Air Quality Good Good
  • Mobile's population is about 71% less than Detroit.
  • Mobile's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Detroit's higher score of 7.
  • Mobile is less walkable than Detroit with a score of 32 out of 100 vs Detroit's 51 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 Detroit, which has a score of 52 out of 100.
  • Mobile's crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 64.95 compared to Detroit's 72.92. This means that Mobile neighborhoods are safer than 64.95% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92%.
  • Mobile is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 35.05 vs Detroit's 27.08.
  • Air quality in Mobile is good, and in Detroit it's good.

Other things to consider for your Detroit 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 settling into your new Alabama home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Mobile has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Mobile is home to museums and cultural arts 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€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer 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 Detroit to Mobile?

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

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

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

The 981-mile journey from Detroit, MI to Mobile, AL typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Detroit 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