Factors that influence moving costs from Providence to Mobiletoggle

The cost of Providence movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Providence to Mobile might cost as little as $1,338, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $9,199.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Providence, 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 $1,015 to $2,651. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Providence to Mobile

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

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

Providence Mobile
Average rent cost $2,200 $1,300
Average home value $398,785 $186,159
Average income (per capita) $69,956 $61,962
Cost of living (single person) $2,493 $1,825
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,406 $4,104
Unemployment rate 8.6% 6.2%
Sales tax 7.0% 10.0%
State income tax 5.99% 5.0%
  • Rent prices in Mobile are 41% lower than in Providence, 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 53.3% lower than in Providence.
  • Income in Mobile is 11.4% lower than in Providence, 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 26.8% lower than in Providence. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Mobile is 24.1% lower than in Providence.
  • The unemployment rate in Mobile is 27.91% lower than in Providence.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Mobile, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Mobile are 42.86% higher than in Providence.
  • One perk of moving to Mobile is paying less in state income taxes, which are 16.53% lower than in Providence.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,196.15 in Mobile to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Providence.

How life is different in Providence vs. Mobile

Mobile Providence
Population 187,041 190,934
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 7
Walkability score 32 76
Bike friendliness score 34 61
Crime Index 64.95 49.84
Safety Index 35.05 50.16
Air Quality Good Good
  • Mobile's population is about the same as Providence.
  • Mobile's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Providence's higher score of 7.
  • Mobile is less walkable than Providence with a score of 32 out of 100 vs Providence's 76 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 Providence, which has a score of 61 out of 100.
  • Mobile's crime rate is higher than Providence with a score of 64.95 compared to Providence's 49.84. This means that Mobile neighborhoods are safer than 64.95% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Providence neighborhoods are safer than 49.84%.
  • Mobile is considered to be less safe than Providence with a score of 35.05 vs Providence's 50.16.
  • Air quality in Mobile is good, and in Providence it's good.

Other things to consider for your Providence 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: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Alabama, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Alabama doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Mobile without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Mobile

With your sights set on "Port City", these are some of the most popular 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

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 Providence to Mobile?

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

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

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

The 1,372-mile journey from Providence, RI to Mobile, AL typically takes three to eight days. Some movers in Providence 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