Moving from Houston to Mobile (2026)
Mobile has a COL index of 82 vs 95 for Houston (100 = US average). You'd pay about 14% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$316/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
9582
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,350$1,100
per month
State tax
None5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,428
per month
Salary needed in Mobile to match your Houston lifestyle
Based on the 14% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Houston | Equivalent in Mobile |
|---|---|
| $40K | $34,526 |
| $50K | $43,158 |
| $60K | $51,789 |
| $75K | $64,737 |
| $80K | $69,053 |
| $100K | $86,316 |
| $120K | $103,579 |
| $150K | $129,474 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Houston vs Mobile
| Expense | Houston | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,428 |
| 1BR rent | $1,350 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $357 | $353 |
| Transport | $90 | $38 |
| Utilities | $175 | $172 |
| Internet | $65 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,704 | $2,707 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Mobile cheaper than Houston?
Yes. Mobile has a cost of living index of 82 vs 95 for Houston (100 = US average). That's about 14% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Houston to Mobile?
On a $75K salary, moving from Houston to Mobile could save roughly $316/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,792/year.
What salary do I need in Mobile to match my Houston lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Houston, you'd need roughly $64,737/year in Mobile. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Mobile to HoustonHouston vs Mobile — full comparisonHouston 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