Factors that influence moving costs from Seattle to Mobiletoggle

The cost of Seattle movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Seattle to Mobile might cost as little as $1,806, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $15,945.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Seattle, 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 $1,863 to $4,441. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Seattle to Mobile

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

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

Seattle Mobile
Average rent cost $1,975 $1,300
Average home value $842,068 $186,159
Average income (per capita) $77,845 $61,962
Cost of living (single person) $3,740 $1,825
Cost of living (family of 4) $9,801 $4,104
Unemployment rate 4.8% 6.2%
Sales tax 10.35% 10.0%
State income tax 0.0% 5.0%
  • Rent prices in Mobile are 34% lower than in Seattle, 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 77.9% lower than in Seattle.
  • Income in Mobile is 20.4% lower than in Seattle, 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 51.2% lower than in Seattle. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Mobile is 58.1% lower than in Seattle.
  • The unemployment rate in Mobile is 29.17% higher than in Seattle.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Mobile, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Mobile are 3.38% lower than in Seattle.
  • State income taxes in Mobile are 5.00% higher than in Seattle.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,463.90 in Mobile to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Seattle.

How life is different in Seattle vs. Mobile

Mobile Seattle
Population 187,041 737,015
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 8
Walkability score 32 74
Bike friendliness score 34 71
Crime Index 64.95 58.88
Safety Index 35.05 49.23
Air Quality Good Good
  • Mobile's population is about 75% less than Seattle.
  • Mobile's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Seattle's higher score of 8.
  • Mobile is less walkable than Seattle with a score of 32 out of 100 vs Seattle's 74 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 Seattle, which has a score of 71 out of 100.
  • Mobile's crime rate is higher than Seattle with a score of 64.95 compared to Seattle's 58.88. This means that Mobile neighborhoods are safer than 64.95% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88%.
  • Mobile is considered to be less safe than Seattle with a score of 35.05 vs Seattle's 49.23.
  • Air quality in Mobile is good, and in Seattle it's good.

Other things to consider for your Seattle 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 Seattle to Mobile?

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

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

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

The 2,715-mile journey from Seattle, WA to Mobile, AL typically takes seven to 21 days. Some movers in Seattle 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