Moving from Mobile, AL to St. Louis, MO
Relocating 665 mi from Mobile to St. Louis is a 12h 38m 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.
665 mi Β· 12h 38m by car Β· MO β AR β TN β MS β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β AR β TN β MS β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, US 45, US 78 |
| Major cities en route | Memphis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mobile | St. Louis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.098 | 95.088 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.185 | 69.921 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 99.996 | 100.0 |
| Services | 60.116 | 79.024 | 100.0 |
St. Louis runs about 7.9% more expensive overall than Mobile β RPP 88.098 β 95.088.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Mobile -2.1%, St. Louis β. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mobile | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 60.5" | 43.9" |
Expect 11.1Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MOBILE DWTN AP, AL US, ST LOUIS SCI CTR, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mobile | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 185,097 | 293,109 |
| Median household income | $51,090 | $55,279 |
| Median age | 37.7 | 36.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20% | 22% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.03 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 7.9% higher in St. Louis than Mobile.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in St. Louis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 162,150 | $43,310 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 119,600 | $29,980 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 115,380 | $39,330 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 108,510 | $35,500 |
| Management Occupations | 94,750 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Alabama and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (11.1Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Tornadoes are common April through June β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Mobile to St. Louis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 665 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is St. Louis, MO from Mobile, AL?
The driving distance is 665 mi and the route typically takes 12h 38m via I 55 and US 45. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in St. Louis compare to Mobile?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,490 in the St. Louis MSA vs $41,660 in the Mobile MSA, on total employment of 1,325,480 and 169,730 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Mobile vs St. Louis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,279 in St. Louis vs $51,090 in Mobile β a 8.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is St. Louis more expensive than Mobile?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in St. Louis is 7.9% higher than Mobile (95.088 vs 88.098, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Mobile.
City profiles: Mobile, AL Β· St. Louis, MO.