Factors that influence moving costs from Memphis to Mobiletoggle

The cost of Memphis movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Memphis to Mobile might cost as little as $1,195, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $6,847.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Memphis, 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 $402 to $1,046. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Memphis to Mobile

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

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

Memphis Mobile
Average rent cost $1,299 $1,300
Average home value $143,715 $186,159
Average income (per capita) $48,090 $61,962
Cost of living (single person) $1,842 $1,825
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,402 $4,104
Unemployment rate 8.0% 6.2%
Sales tax 9.75% 10.0%
State income tax 0.0% 5.0%
  • Rent prices are the same in Mobile and Memphis.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Memphis.
    Home prices in Mobile are 29.5% higher than in Memphis.
  • Income in Mobile is 28.8% higher than in Memphis, 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 is the same in Mobile and Memphis. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Mobile is 6.8% lower than in Memphis.
  • The unemployment rate in Mobile is 22.50% lower than in Memphis.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Mobile, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Mobile are 2.56% higher than in Memphis.
  • State income taxes in Mobile are 5.00% higher than in Memphis.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,972.31 in Mobile to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Memphis.

How life is different in Memphis vs. Mobile

Mobile Memphis
Population 187,041 633,104
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 4
Walkability score 32 35
Bike friendliness score 34 41
Crime Index 64.95 77.49
Safety Index 35.05 22.51
Air Quality Good Good
  • Mobile's population is about 70% less than Memphis.
  • Mobile's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Memphis's higher score of 4.
  • Mobile and Memphis 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 Memphis, which has a score of 41 out of 100.
  • Mobile's crime rate is lower than Memphis with a score of 64.95 compared to Memphis's 77.49. This means that Mobile neighborhoods are safer than 64.95% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Memphis neighborhoods are safer than 77.49%.
  • Mobile is considered to be safer than Memphis with a safety index of 35.05 vs Memphis's 22.51.
  • Air quality in Mobile is good, and in Memphis it's good.

Other things to consider for your Memphis 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

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Alabama, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Mobile has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Mobile features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an South Alabama Jaguars (Sun Belt) and Spring Hill Badgers (SIAC) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Memphis to Mobile?

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

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

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

The 390-mile journey from Memphis, TN to Mobile, AL typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Memphis 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