Factors that influence moving costs from Portland to Mobiletoggle

The cost of Portland movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Portland to Mobile might cost as little as $1,694, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $14,803.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Portland, 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 $1,763 to $4,509. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Portland to Mobile

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

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

Portland Mobile
Average rent cost $1,530 $1,300
Average home value $522,596 $186,159
Average income (per capita) $85,876 $61,962
Cost of living (single person) $2,572 $1,825
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,077 $4,104
Unemployment rate 6.9% 6.2%
Sales tax 0.0% 10.0%
State income tax 9.9% 5.0%
  • Rent prices in Mobile are 15% lower than in Portland, 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 64.4% lower than in Portland.
  • Income in Mobile is 27.8% lower than in Portland, 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 29.0% lower than in Portland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Mobile is 32.5% lower than in Portland.
  • The unemployment rate in Mobile is 10.14% lower than in Portland.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Mobile, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Mobile are 10.00% higher than in Portland.
  • One perk of moving to Mobile is paying less in state income taxes, which are 49.49% lower than in Portland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,128.69 in Mobile to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.

How life is different in Portland vs. Mobile

Mobile Portland
Population 187,041 652,503
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 8
Walkability score 32 81
Bike friendliness score 34 92
Crime Index 64.95 57.37
Safety Index 35.05 42.63
Air Quality Good Good
  • Mobile's population is about 71% less than Portland.
  • Mobile's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Portland's higher score of 8.
  • Mobile is less walkable than Portland with a score of 32 out of 100 vs Portland's 81 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 Portland, which has a score of 92 out of 100.
  • Mobile's crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 64.95 compared to Portland's 57.37. This means that Mobile neighborhoods are safer than 64.95% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 57.37%.
  • Mobile is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 35.05 vs Portland's 42.63.
  • Air quality in Mobile is good, and in Portland it's good.

Other things to consider for your Portland 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

Now that you've made the move to Alabama, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Mobile. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Mobile, such as 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€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 Portland to Mobile?

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

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

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

The 2,641-mile journey from Portland, OR to Mobile, AL typically takes seven to 21 days. Some movers in Portland 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