Moving from Durham to Mobile (2026)
Mobile has a COL index of 82 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). You'd pay about 20% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$700/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10282
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,750$1,100
per month
State tax
4.5%5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,459$4,428
per month
Salary needed in Mobile to match your Durham lifestyle
Based on the 20% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Durham | Equivalent in Mobile |
|---|---|
| $40K | $32,157 |
| $50K | $40,196 |
| $60K | $48,235 |
| $75K | $60,294 |
| $80K | $64,314 |
| $100K | $80,392 |
| $120K | $96,471 |
| $150K | $120,588 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Durham vs Mobile
| Expense | Durham | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,428 |
| 1BR rent | $1,750 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $372 | $353 |
| Transport | $82 | $38 |
| Utilities | $155 | $172 |
| Internet | $62 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,038 | $2,707 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Mobile cheaper than Durham?
Yes. Mobile has a cost of living index of 82 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). That's about 20% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Durham to Mobile?
On a $75K salary, moving from Durham to Mobile could save roughly $700/month on core expenses. That's ~$8,400/year.
What salary do I need in Mobile to match my Durham lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Durham, you'd need roughly $60,294/year in Mobile. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Mobile to DurhamDurham vs Mobile — full comparisonDurham cost of livingMobile cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only