Factors that influence moving costs from Virginia Beach to Mobile
What to know before moving from Virginia Beach to Mobile
Moving from Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach than in Mobile, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Virginia Beach compares to Mobile so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Virginia Beach | Mobile | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,950 | $1,300 |
Average home value | $402,391 | $186,159 |
Average income (per capita) | $81,810 | $61,962 |
Cost of living (single person) | $4,533 | $1,825 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,910 | $4,104 |
Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 6.2% |
Sales tax | 6.0% | 10.0% |
State income tax | 5.75% | 5.0% |
- Rent prices in Mobile are 33% lower than in Virginia Beach, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Mobile.
Home prices in Mobile are 53.7% lower than in Virginia Beach. - Income in Mobile is 24.3% lower than in Virginia Beach, 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 59.7% lower than in Virginia Beach. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Mobile is 30.6% lower than in Virginia Beach.
- The unemployment rate in Mobile is 29.17% higher than in Virginia Beach.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Mobile, since the cityโs sales taxes in Mobile are 66.67% higher than in Virginia Beach.
- One perk of moving to Mobile is paying less in state income taxes, which are 13.04% lower than in Virginia Beach.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,207.81 in Mobile to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Virginia Beach.
How life is different in Virginia Beach vs. Mobile
Mobile | Virginia Beach | |
---|---|---|
Population | 187,041 | 457,672 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 3 | 3 |
Walkability score | 32 | 33 |
Bike friendliness score | 34 | 42 |
Crime Index | 64.95 | 42.0 |
Safety Index | 35.05 | 58.0 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Mobile's population is about 59% less than Virginia Beach.
- Mobile's public transportation has a similar score to Virginia Beach.
- Mobile and Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach, which has a score of 42 out of 100.
- Mobile's crime rate is higher than Virginia Beach with a score of 64.95 compared to Virginia Beach's 42.0. This means that Mobile neighborhoods are safer than 64.95% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Virginia Beach neighborhoods are safer than 42.0%.
- Mobile is considered to be less safe than Virginia Beach with a score of 35.05 vs Virginia Beach's 58.0.
- Air quality in Mobile is good, and in Virginia Beach it's good.
Other things to consider for your Virginia Beach 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 getting comfortable in your new Alabama home, itโs time to see what Mobile is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ thereโs plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Mobile include museums and art 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 and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering 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 Virginia Beach to Mobile?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Virginia Beach to Mobile. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Virginia Beach.
When is the cheapest time to move from Virginia Beach to Mobile?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach to Mobile take?
The 910-mile journey from Virginia Beach, VA to Mobile, AL typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Virginia Beach 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.