Moving from Lubbock, TX to Mobile, AL
Relocating 935 mi from Lubbock to Mobile is a 17h 1m drive through 4 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.
935 mi Β· 17h 1m by car Β· TX β LA β MS β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β LA β MS β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, US 84, US 49 |
| Major cities en route | Abilene, Fort Worth, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Irving |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Lubbock | Mobile | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.317 | 88.098 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.768 | 84.185 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.357 | 60.116 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 91.317 vs 88.098 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 3.5% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Lubbock +0.8%, Mobile -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Lubbock | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 69Β°F |
| January avg low | 30Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 19.4" | 60.5" |
Expect 7.3Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LUBBOCK WFO, TX US, MOBILE DWTN AP, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Lubbock | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 261,078 | 185,097 |
| Median household income | $60,487 | $51,090 |
| Median age | 30.4 | 37.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.8% | 20% |
| Avg household size | 2.48 | 2.39 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 3.5% lower in Mobile than Lubbock.
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 Texas 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.
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.
- 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 Lubbock, TX?
The driving distance is 935 mi and the route typically takes 17h 1m via I 20 and US 84. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Lubbock to Mobile?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 935 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Mobile more expensive than Lubbock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mobile is 3.5% lower than Lubbock (88.098 vs 91.317, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Mobile compare to Lubbock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,660 in the Mobile MSA vs $37,640 in the Lubbock MSA, on total employment of 169,730 and 150,730 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Mobile compared to Lubbock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $194,564 in Mobile vs $209,436 in Lubbock β a 7.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Lubbock vs Mobile?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,090 in Mobile vs $60,487 in Lubbock β a 15.5% 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 Lubbock.
City profiles: Lubbock, TX Β· Mobile, AL.