Factors that influence moving costs from Jackson to Mobiletoggle

The cost of Jackson movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Jackson to Mobile might cost as little as $912, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $5,359.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Jackson, 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 $238 to $523. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Jackson to Mobile

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

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

Jackson Mobile
Average rent cost $1,170 $1,300
Average home value $68,872 $186,159
Average income (per capita) $57,848 $61,962
Cost of living (single person) $1,969 $1,825
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,990 $4,104
Unemployment rate 7.7% 6.2%
Sales tax 8.0% 10.0%
State income tax 4.7% 5.0%
  • Rent prices in Mobile are 11% higher than in Jackson, 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 Jackson.
    Home prices in Mobile are 170.3% higher than in Jackson.
  • Income in Mobile is 7.1% higher than in Jackson, 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 7.3% lower than in Jackson. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Mobile is 17.8% lower than in Jackson.
  • The unemployment rate in Mobile is 19.48% lower than in Jackson.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Mobile, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Mobile are 25.00% higher than in Jackson.
  • State income taxes in Mobile are 6.38% higher than in Jackson.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,780.60 in Mobile to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Jackson.

How life is different in Jackson vs. Mobile

Mobile Jackson
Population 187,041 153,701
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 2
Walkability score 32 26
Bike friendliness score 34 33
Crime Index 64.95 82.38
Safety Index 35.05 17.62
Air Quality Good Good
  • Mobile's population is about 22% greater than Jackson.
  • Mobile's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Jackson's lower score of 2.
  • Mobile is more walkable than Jackson with a score of 32 out of 100 vs Jackson's 26 out of 100.
  • Both Mobile and Jackson have the same bike-friendliness score of 33 out of 100, meaning Mobile is about as safe for cyclists as Jackson. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
  • Mobile's crime rate is lower than Jackson with a score of 64.95 compared to Jackson's 82.38. This means that Mobile neighborhoods are safer than 64.95% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Jackson neighborhoods are safer than 82.38%.
  • Mobile is considered to be safer than Jackson with a safety index of 35.05 vs Jackson's 17.62.
  • Air quality in Mobile is good, and in Jackson it's good.

Other things to consider for your Jackson 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

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Alabama, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Mobile has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s 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 cityโ€™s 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 Jackson to Mobile?

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

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

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

The 188-mile journey from Jackson, MS to Mobile, AL typically takes one to two days. Some movers in Jackson 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