Moving from Mobile, AL to Jacksonville, FL
The 407 mi from Mobile to Jacksonville translate to about 7h 28m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
407 mi Β· 7h 28m by car Β· FL β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 17, FL 228, I 10 |
| Major cities en route | Tallahassee |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mobile | Jacksonville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.098 | 99.484 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.185 | 87.514 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 96.24 | 100.0 |
| Services | 60.116 | 109.777 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 88.098 in Mobile to 99.484 in Jacksonville, a 12.9% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Jacksonville: 12.9% above Mobile on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Mobile -2.1%, Jacksonville -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mobile | Jacksonville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 47Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 60.5" | 47.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Effectively snow-free year in Jacksonville β NOAA normals show near-zero annual snowfall.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MOBILE DWTN AP, AL US, JACKSONVILLE NAS, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mobile | Jacksonville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 185,097 | 961,739 |
| Median household income | $51,090 | $66,981 |
| Median age | 37.7 | 36.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.5 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 12.9% between Mobile and Jacksonville (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Jacksonville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 106,430 | $41,600 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 78,750 | $37,710 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 72,870 | $35,550 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 71,150 | $29,270 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 56,370 | $74,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Alabama and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida'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 Jacksonville average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) during unpack.
- 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 Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Mobile to Jacksonville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 407 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Jacksonville, FL from Mobile, AL?
The driving distance is 407 mi and the route typically takes 7h 28m via US 17 and FL 228. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Jacksonville more expensive than Mobile?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Jacksonville is 12.9% higher than Mobile (99.484 vs 88.098, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Jacksonville compared to Mobile?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $282,895 in Jacksonville vs $194,564 in Mobile β a 45.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Mobile vs Jacksonville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,981 in Jacksonville vs $51,090 in Mobile β a 31.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Jacksonville compare to Mobile?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,420 in the Jacksonville MSA vs $41,660 in the Mobile MSA, on total employment of 740,520 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· Jacksonville, FL.