Houston vs Mobile
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026 Data
Houston
Mobile
💡 The Verdict
Mobile is 12% cheaper than Houston overall. A $75,000 salary in Houston is equivalent to $65,625 in Mobile.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values for Houston (left) vs Mobile (right). National average = 100.
Detailed Price Comparison
Estimated item-level prices in Houston versus Mobile. Differences shown from Houston perspective.
| Item | Houston | Mobile | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Rent | $1,020/mo | $980/mo | +$40.00 |
| 2-Bed Rent | $1,400/mo | $1,390/mo | +$10.00 |
| 3-Bed Rent | $1,920/mo | $1,850/mo | +$70.00 |
| Bread (loaf) | $2.51 | $2.01 | +$0.50 |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.58 | $2.94 | +$0.64 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $3.08 | $2.49 | +$0.59 |
| Coffee (latte) | $5.55 | $4.64 | +$0.91 |
| Gas (gallon) | $3.49 | $3.06 | +$0.43 |
| Restaurant Meal | $13.18 | $16.32 | $-3.14 |
💰 Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Houston has the same purchasing power as $65,625 in Mobile.
Conversely, $75,000 in Mobile equals $85,714 in Houston.
💼 Take-Home Pay Comparison
Estimated annual take-home pay on a $75,000 salary after federal, FICA, and state income taxes.
The $3751 difference is driven by Alabama having a higher state income tax rate. Texas details → · Alabama details →
Reading These Numbers: Houston (96) vs Mobile (84)
Houston at 96 is 4% below the US average, while Mobile at 84 is 16% below average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.
In Houston, the composite index of 96 reflects a weighted calculation where housing carries the most influence at 89, followed by groceries (94), utilities (97), transportation (108), and healthcare (96). Costs are fairly balanced across categories.
For renters: With median rents of $1,400/mo in Houston and $1,390/mo in Mobile, the annual rent difference is approximately $120.0. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $600.0 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.
For homebuyers: The $58,000.0 difference in median home prices between Houston and Mobile translates to meaningful differences in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.
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Making Your Decision: Houston vs Mobile
Choosing between Houston and Mobile involves more than just comparing index numbers. Consider how each category aligns with your personal spending patterns. If you work from home, transportation costs matter less than housing and utilities. If you eat out frequently, the groceries index may understate your actual food spending — look at the restaurant meal prices in the detailed comparison table above instead.
Beyond the numbers shown above, quality of life differences between Houston and Mobile can meaningfully affect your financial picture in ways the index does not capture. Commute time translates to fuel costs and vehicle depreciation. Climate affects utility bills seasonally. Access to public parks and free cultural venues reduces entertainment spending. Consider these secondary financial effects alongside the direct cost comparisons when making your final decision.