Cost of Living: Mobile vs Salem (2026)
Mobile has a 15% lower overall cost of living than Salem as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,100/mo in Mobile vs $1,450/mo in Salem — a 24% difference. Mobile has a lower state income tax rate (5% vs 9.9%), which adds up over time.
- Mobile is 15% cheaper overall (COL index: 82 vs 97)
- 1BR rent: $1,100/mo in Mobile vs $1,450/mo — 24% savings
- Higher median household income: Salem ($57,000/yr vs $46,000/yr)
- Median home price: $210,000 in Mobile vs $380,000 — 45% difference
| Category | Mobile Alabama | Salem Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $900Best | $1,150 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,100Best | $1,450 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,450Best | $1,950 |
| Median home price | $210KBest | $380K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 93Best | 100 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $11Best | $14 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $46Best | $56 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $38Best | $72 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.00Best | $3.80 |
| Car insurance/mo | $148 | $145Best |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $172 | $125Best |
| Internet/mo | $58Best | $63 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $46K | $57KBest |
| State income tax% | 5.0%Best | 9.9% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 9.2% | 0.0%Best |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $13.00Best | $14.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $32Best | $40 |
| Beer at restaurant | $5.00Best | $6.00 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 82Best | 97 |
| Walk score / 100 | 26 | 42Best |
Frequently asked questions
Is Mobile cheaper than Salem?
Yes. Mobile is 15% cheaper than Salem based on overall cost of living indices (82 vs 97, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Mobile vs Salem?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Mobile is $1,100/month and in Salem is $1,450/month. Mobile is cheaper by 24%.
How much do I need to earn in Salem to match a $75,000 salary in Mobile?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $88,720/year in Salem to match a $75,000 salary in Mobile. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Mobile or Salem?
Mobile has the lower state income tax rate at 5% vs 9.9%. The difference is 4.9 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Mobile to Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Mobile offers lower overall costs, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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