Factors that influence moving costs from Chattanooga to Mobile
What to know before moving from Chattanooga to Mobile
Moving from Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga than in Mobile, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Chattanooga compares to Mobile so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Chattanooga | Mobile | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,475 | $1,300 |
Average home value | $302,565 | $186,159 |
Average income (per capita) | $60,164 | $61,962 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,300 | $1,825 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,350 | $4,104 |
Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 6.2% |
Sales tax | 9.25% | 10.0% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 5.0% |
- Rent prices in Mobile are 12% lower than in Chattanooga, 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 38.5% lower than in Chattanooga. - Income in Mobile is 3.0% higher than in Chattanooga, so you could earn more 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 44.7% lower than in Chattanooga. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Mobile is 5.7% lower than in Chattanooga.
- The unemployment rate in Mobile is 10.71% higher than in Chattanooga.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Mobile, since the cityโs sales taxes in Mobile are 8.11% higher than in Chattanooga.
- State income taxes in Mobile are 5.00% higher than in Chattanooga.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,659.09 in Mobile to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chattanooga.
How life is different in Chattanooga vs. Mobile
Mobile | Chattanooga | |
---|---|---|
Population | 187,041 | 181,099 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 3 |
Walkability score | 32 | 29 |
Bike friendliness score | 34 | 35 |
Crime Index | 64.95 | 53.89 |
Safety Index | 35.05 | 46.11 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Mobile's population is about the same as Chattanooga.
- Mobile's public transportation has a similar score to Chattanooga.
- Mobile and Chattanooga are similarily walkable.
- Both Mobile and Chattanooga have the same bike-friendliness score of 35 out of 100, meaning Mobile is about as safe for cyclists as Chattanooga. 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 Chattanooga with a score of 64.95 compared to Chattanooga's 53.89. This means that Mobile neighborhoods are safer than 64.95% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89%.
- Mobile is considered to be less safe than Chattanooga with a score of 35.05 vs Chattanooga's 46.11.
- Air quality in Mobile is good, and in Chattanooga it's good.
Other things to consider for your Chattanooga 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: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs 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 companyโs license in Alabama, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Alabama doesnโt 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
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 Chattanooga to Mobile?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Chattanooga to Mobile. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Chattanooga.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chattanooga to Mobile?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga to Mobile take?
The 400-mile journey from Chattanooga, TN to Mobile, AL typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Chattanooga 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.