Factors that influence moving costs from Charlotte to Mobile
What to know before moving from Charlotte to Mobile
Moving from Charlotte 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 Charlotte than in Mobile, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Charlotte compares to Mobile so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Charlotte | Mobile | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,790 | $1,300 |
Average home value | $391,658 | $186,159 |
Average income (per capita) | $64,814 | $61,962 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,158 | $1,825 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $8,325 | $4,104 |
Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 6.2% |
Sales tax | 7.25% | 10.0% |
State income tax | 4.5% | 5.0% |
- Rent prices in Mobile are 27% lower than in Charlotte, 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 52.5% lower than in Charlotte. - Income in Mobile is 4.4% lower than in Charlotte, 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 42.2% lower than in Charlotte. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Mobile is 50.7% lower than in Charlotte.
- The unemployment rate in Mobile is 87.88% higher than in Charlotte.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Mobile, since the cityโs sales taxes in Mobile are 37.93% higher than in Charlotte.
- State income taxes in Mobile are 11.11% higher than in Charlotte.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,733.69 in Mobile to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charlotte.
How life is different in Charlotte vs. Mobile
Mobile | Charlotte | |
---|---|---|
Population | 187,041 | 874,579 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 5 |
Walkability score | 32 | 26 |
Bike friendliness score | 34 | 31 |
Crime Index | 64.95 | 46.52 |
Safety Index | 35.05 | 53.48 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Mobile's population is about 79% less than Charlotte.
- Mobile's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Charlotte's higher score of 5.
- Mobile is more walkable than Charlotte with a score of 32 out of 100 vs Charlotte's 26 out of 100.
- Both Mobile and Charlotte have the same bike-friendliness score of 31 out of 100, meaning Mobile is about as safe for cyclists as Charlotte. 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 higher than Charlotte with a score of 64.95 compared to Charlotte's 46.52. This means that Mobile neighborhoods are safer than 64.95% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charlotte neighborhoods are safer than 46.52%.
- Mobile is considered to be less safe than Charlotte with a score of 35.05 vs Charlotte's 53.48.
- Air quality in Mobile is good, and in Charlotte it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Charlotte 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโsome areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Alabama moving company\โs license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit in Alabama, though it\โs smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toMobile Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Mobile
Now that youโve chosen "Port City" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Mobile to check out.
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, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Mobile has lots to offer, no matter what youโre 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 cityโs 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 Charlotte to Mobile?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Charlotte to Mobile. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Charlotte.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charlotte to Mobile?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Charlotte 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 Charlotte to Mobile take?
The 572-mile journey from Charlotte, NC to Mobile, AL typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Charlotte 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.