Moving from Mobile, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL
The 209 mi from Mobile to Tuscaloosa translate to about 4h 15m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — 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.
209 mi · 4h 15m by car · AL
Distance & route
| Route through | AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 43, I 20, I 59 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mobile | Tuscaloosa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.098 | 87.722 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.185 | 84.396 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 60.116 | 58.246 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Mobile (88.098) and Tuscaloosa (87.722) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Tuscaloosa at $228,947 is 0.4% above Mobile at $194,564.
YoY change: Mobile -2.1%, Tuscaloosa +1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Mobile | Tuscaloosa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69°F | 64°F |
| January avg low | 43°F | 35°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | — |
| Annual precipitation | 60.5" | 57.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MOBILE DWTN AP, AL US, NORTHPORT 2 S, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mobile | Tuscaloosa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 185,097 | 107,699 |
| Median household income | $51,090 | $48,536 |
| Median age | 37.7 | 28.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20% | 21.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.68 |
Income steps down 0.4%: $51,090 in Mobile vs $48,536 in Tuscaloosa.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tuscaloosa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Production Occupations | 15,750 | $48,310 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 9,940 | $37,980 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,860 | $25,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 9,250 | $36,980 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 8,780 | $29,460 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 Tuscaloosa average 92°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: Tuscaloosa averages 57.3 in of annual precipitation — 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.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Tuscaloosa compared to Mobile?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $228,947 in Tuscaloosa vs $194,564 in Mobile — a 17.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Tuscaloosa more expensive than Mobile?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tuscaloosa is 0.4% lower than Mobile (87.722 vs 88.098, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Mobile vs Tuscaloosa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,536 in Tuscaloosa vs $51,090 in Mobile — a 5.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Tuscaloosa, AL from Mobile, AL?
The driving distance is 209 mi and the route typically takes 4h 15m via US 43 and I 20. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Tuscaloosa compare to Mobile?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,690 in the Tuscaloosa MSA vs $41,660 in the Mobile MSA, on total employment of 103,520 and 169,730 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Mobile to Tuscaloosa?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 209 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Mobile.
City profiles: Mobile, AL · Tuscaloosa, AL.