Factors influencing moving costs from Raleigh to Mobiletoggle

The cost of Raleigh movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Raleigh to Mobile can be as low as $1,351 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $7,291.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Raleigh, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $620 to $1,613. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Raleigh to Mobile

Raleigh Mobile
Average rent cost $1,670 $1,300
Average home value $431,795 $186,159
Average income (per capita) $2,572 $61,962
Cost of living (single person) $6,077 $1,825
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,077 $4,104
Unemployment rate 4.3% 6.2%
Sales tax 7.25% 10.0%
State income tax 4.5% 5.0%
  • Rent prices in Mobile are 22% lower than in Raleigh.
  • Home prices in Mobile are 56.9% lower than in Raleigh.
  • Income in Mobile is 2,309.1% higher than in Raleigh.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Mobile is 70.0% lower than in Raleigh.
  • The cost of living for a family in Mobile is 32.5% lower than in Raleigh.
  • The unemployment rate in Mobile is 44.19% higher than in Raleigh.
  • Sales taxes in Mobile are 37.93% higher than in Raleigh.
  • State income taxes in Mobile are 11.11% higher than in Raleigh.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $900.94 in Mobile to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Raleigh.

How life is different in Raleigh vs. Mobile

Mobile Raleigh
Population 187,041 467,665
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 4
Walkability score 32 31
Bike friendliness score 34 39
Crime Index 64.95 38.87
Safety Index 35.05 60.13
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Mobile's population is about 60% less than Raleigh.
  • Mobile's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Raleigh's lower score of 4.
  • Mobile is more walkable than Raleigh with a score of 32 out of 100 vs Raleigh's 31 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 Raleigh, which has a score of 39 out of 100.
  • Mobile's crime rate is higher than Raleigh with a score of 64.95 compared to Raleigh's 38.87. This means that Mobile neighborhoods are safer than 64.95% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Raleigh neighborhoods are safer than 38.87%.
  • Mobile is considered to be less safe than Raleigh with a score of 35.05 vs Raleigh's 60.13.
  • Air quality in Mobile is good, and in Raleigh it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Raleigh 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Alabama moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Alabama does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Mobile. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Mobile

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Port City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Mobile.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Spanish Fort
  • Point Clear
  • Tillmans Corner
  • Theodore
  • Chickasaw

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Point Clear
  • Saraland
  • Loxley
  • Satsuma
  • Semmes

Things to do in Mobiletoggle

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 Raleigh to Mobile?

The best time to move from Raleigh to Mobile is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Raleigh.

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

Because most people are moving from Raleigh to Mobile in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Raleigh to Mobile take?

The 734-mile move from Raleigh, NC, to Mobile, AL, takes one to six days. Some Raleigh movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Mobile.

Helpful moving resources