Factors that influence moving costs from Durham to Mobiletoggle

The cost of Durham movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Durham to Mobile might cost as little as $1,336, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $7,434.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Durham, 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 $642 to $1,467. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Durham to Mobile

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

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

Durham Mobile
Average rent cost $1,699 $1,300
Average home value $391,719 $186,159
Average income (per capita) $396,291 $61,962
Cost of living (single person) $2,803 $1,825
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,945 $4,104
Unemployment rate 4.1% 6.2%
Sales tax 7.5% 10.0%
State income tax 4.5% 5.0%
  • Rent prices in Mobile are 24% lower than in Durham, 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 52.5% lower than in Durham.
  • Income in Mobile is 84.4% lower than in Durham, 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 34.9% lower than in Durham. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Mobile is 31.0% lower than in Durham.
  • The unemployment rate in Mobile is 51.22% higher than in Durham.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Mobile, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Mobile are 33.33% higher than in Durham.
  • State income taxes in Mobile are 11.11% higher than in Durham.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,953.26 in Mobile to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Durham.

How life is different in Durham vs. Mobile

Mobile Durham
Population 187,041 283,506
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 4
Walkability score 32 30
Bike friendliness score 34 38
Crime Index 64.95 54.72
Safety Index 35.05 45.28
Air Quality Good Good
  • Mobile's population is about 34% less than Durham.
  • Mobile's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Durham's higher score of 4.
  • Mobile and Durham are similarily walkable.
  • Mobile has a bike-friendliness score 34 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Durham, which has a score of 38 out of 100.
  • Mobile's crime rate is higher than Durham with a score of 64.95 compared to Durham's 54.72. This means that Mobile neighborhoods are safer than 64.95% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72%.
  • Mobile is considered to be less safe than Durham with a score of 35.05 vs Durham's 45.28.
  • Air quality in Mobile is good, and in Durham it's good.

Other things to consider for your Durham 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 regulationsโ€”some 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\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Alabama, though it\โ€™s 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 youโ€™ve 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, 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 Durham to Mobile?

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

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

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

The 710-mile journey from Durham, NC to Mobile, AL typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Durham 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