Moving from Tuscaloosa, AL to Mobile, AL
The 209 mi from Tuscaloosa to Mobile 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
| Tuscaloosa | Mobile | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 87.722 | 88.098 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.396 | 84.185 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 58.246 | 60.116 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Mobile and Tuscaloosa is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Mobile is 0.4% below Tuscaloosa ($194,564 vs $228,947 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Tuscaloosa +1.1%, Mobile -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Tuscaloosa | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64°F | 69°F |
| January avg low | 35°F | 43°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | — |
| Annual precipitation | 57.3" | 60.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Tuscaloosa (64.3°F) and Mobile (69.1°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: NORTHPORT 2 S, AL US, MOBILE DWTN AP, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tuscaloosa | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,699 | 185,097 |
| Median household income | $48,536 | $51,090 |
| Median age | 28.2 | 37.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.3% | 20% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.39 |
Income steps up 0.4%: $48,536 in Tuscaloosa vs $51,090 in Mobile.
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.
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 Mobile 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: Mobile averages 60.5 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
Is Mobile more expensive than Tuscaloosa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mobile is 0.4% higher than Tuscaloosa (88.098 vs 87.722, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Mobile, AL from Tuscaloosa, 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 Mobile compare to Tuscaloosa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,660 in the Mobile MSA vs $43,690 in the Tuscaloosa MSA, on total employment of 169,730 and 103,520 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Tuscaloosa to Mobile?
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.
How does household income compare in Tuscaloosa vs Mobile?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,090 in Mobile vs $48,536 in Tuscaloosa — a 5.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Mobile compared to Tuscaloosa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $194,564 in Mobile vs $228,947 in Tuscaloosa — a 15.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tuscaloosa.
City profiles: Tuscaloosa, AL · Mobile, AL.