Moving from Mobile, AL to Houston, TX
Relocating between Mobile, AL and Houston, TX is a 466 mi drive β 8h 40m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
466 mi Β· 8h 40m by car Β· TX β LA β MS β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β LA β MS β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 12, US 90 |
| Major cities en route | Sugar Land, Pearland, Pasadena, League City, Beaumont |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mobile | Houston | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.098 | 98.629 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.185 | 95.288 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 100.639 | 100.0 |
| Services | 60.116 | 104.51 | 100.0 |
Houston runs about 12.0% more expensive overall than Mobile β RPP 88.098 β 98.629.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $194,564 in Mobile to $264,336 in Houston, a 12.0% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Mobile -2.1%, Houston -2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mobile | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 44Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 60.5" | 54.1" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 69.1Β°F vs 70.6Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Houston sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MOBILE DWTN AP, AL US, HOUSTON-PORT, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mobile | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 185,097 | 2,300,419 |
| Median household income | $51,090 | $62,894 |
| Median age | 37.7 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20% | 21.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.51 |
Expect median household income to rise 12.0% β $51,090 β $62,894 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Houston MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 387,430 | $41,570 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 305,780 | $39,450 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 288,170 | $27,490 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 269,160 | $35,450 |
| Management Occupations | 268,670 | $109,460 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Alabama and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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 Houston average 93Β°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: Houston averages 54.1 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Houston more expensive than Mobile?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Houston is 12.0% higher than Mobile (98.629 vs 88.098, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Houston, TX from Mobile, AL?
The driving distance is 466 mi and the route typically takes 8h 40m via I 10 and I 12. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Mobile to Houston?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 466 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Houston compared to Mobile?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $264,336 in Houston vs $194,564 in Mobile β a 35.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Mobile vs Houston?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,894 in Houston vs $51,090 in Mobile β a 23.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Houston compare to Mobile?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,960 in the Houston MSA vs $41,660 in the Mobile MSA, on total employment of 3,179,460 and 169,730 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Mobile.
City profiles: Mobile, AL Β· Houston, TX.