Factors that influence moving costs from Tacoma to Mobiletoggle

The cost of Tacoma movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Tacoma to Mobile might cost as little as $1,684, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $15,363.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Tacoma, 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 $1,751 to $4,757. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Tacoma to Mobile

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

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

Tacoma Mobile
Average rent cost $1,650 $1,300
Average home value $477,289 $186,159
Average income (per capita) $73,341 $61,962
Cost of living (single person) $4,133 $1,825
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,260 $4,104
Unemployment rate 7.3% 6.2%
Sales tax 10.3% 10.0%
State income tax 0.0% 5.0%
  • Rent prices in Mobile are 21% lower than in Tacoma, 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 61.0% lower than in Tacoma.
  • Income in Mobile is 15.5% lower than in Tacoma, 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 55.8% lower than in Tacoma. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Mobile is 43.5% lower than in Tacoma.
  • The unemployment rate in Mobile is 15.07% lower than in Tacoma.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Mobile, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Mobile are 2.91% lower than in Tacoma.
  • State income taxes in Mobile are 5.00% higher than in Tacoma.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,324.70 in Mobile to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tacoma.

How life is different in Tacoma vs. Mobile

Mobile Tacoma
Population 187,041 223,968
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 6
Walkability score 32 54
Bike friendliness score 34 48
Crime Index 64.95 55.55
Safety Index 35.05 44.45
Air Quality Good Good
  • Mobile's population is about 16% less than Tacoma.
  • Mobile's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Tacoma's higher score of 6.
  • Mobile is less walkable than Tacoma with a score of 32 out of 100 vs Tacoma's 54 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 Tacoma, which has a score of 48 out of 100.
  • Mobile's crime rate is higher than Tacoma with a score of 64.95 compared to Tacoma's 55.55. This means that Mobile neighborhoods are safer than 64.95% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tacoma neighborhoods are safer than 55.55%.
  • Mobile is considered to be less safe than Tacoma with a score of 35.05 vs Tacoma's 44.45.
  • Air quality in Mobile is good, and in Tacoma it's good.

Other things to consider for your Tacoma 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

After getting comfortable in your new Alabama home, itโ€™s time to see what Mobile is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ€” thereโ€™s 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 cityโ€™s 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 Tacoma to Mobile?

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

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

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

The 2,728-mile journey from Tacoma, WA to Mobile, AL typically takes seven to 21 days. Some movers in Tacoma 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