Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Mobile, AL
Relocating 970 mi from Ann Arbor to Mobile is a 17h 55m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
970 mi Β· 17h 55m by car Β· AL β TN β KY β OH β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β TN β KY β OH β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 75, I 71 |
| Major cities en route | Montgomery, Birmingham, Huntsville, Murfreesboro, Cincinnati |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Ann Arbor | Mobile | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.88 | 88.098 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 98.184 | 84.185 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.711 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.3 | 60.116 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 12.7% moving from Ann Arbor to Mobile β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $523,391 in Ann Arbor to $194,564 in Mobile, a 12.7% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Ann Arbor +3.2%, Mobile -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Ann Arbor | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 69Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 59.3" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.9" | 60.5" |
Annual average temperature jumps 20.9Β°F β 48.2Β°F in Ann Arbor vs 69.1Β°F in Mobile, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ANN ARBOR SE, MI US, MOBILE DWTN AP, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Ann Arbor | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,179 | 185,097 |
| Median household income | $81,089 | $51,090 |
| Median age | 27.7 | 37.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.5% | 20% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.39 |
Expect median household income to fall 12.7% β $81,089 β $51,090 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Mobile MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 20,320 | $36,270 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 19,630 | $37,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 16,350 | $31,060 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 14,680 | $23,720 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 12,550 | $64,370 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Michigan and Alabama
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Alabama's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Mobile average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Mobile averages 60.5 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (20.9Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November on the Gulf Coast.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Alabama after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Mobile, AL from Ann Arbor, MI?
The driving distance is 970 mi and the route typically takes 17h 55m via I 65 and I 75. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to Mobile?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 970 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Mobile compare to Ann Arbor?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,660 in the Mobile MSA vs $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA, on total employment of 169,730 and 215,300 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Mobile more expensive than Ann Arbor?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mobile is 12.7% lower than Ann Arbor (88.098 vs 100.88, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Mobile compared to Ann Arbor?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $194,564 in Mobile vs $523,391 in Ann Arbor β a 62.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Ann Arbor vs Mobile?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,090 in Mobile vs $81,089 in Ann Arbor β a 37.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Ann Arbor.
City profiles: Ann Arbor, MI Β· Mobile, AL.