Moving from Huntsville, AL to Mobile, AL
The 356 mi from Huntsville to Mobile translate to about 6h 34m 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.
356 mi · 6h 34m by car · AL
Distance & route
| Route through | AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 565, US 72 ALTERNATE |
| Major cities en route | Birmingham, Montgomery |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Huntsville | Mobile | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.072 | 88.098 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.931 | 84.185 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.946 | 60.116 | 100.0 |
Mobile is 5.3% cheaper than Huntsville overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Mobile is 5.3% below Huntsville — $287,569 vs $194,564 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Huntsville +0.2%, Mobile -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Huntsville | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 69°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 43°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.4" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 54.3" | 60.5" |
Climate warms by 6.2°F on the annual average — 62.9°F → 69.1°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: HUNTSVILLE INTL AP, AL US, MOBILE DWTN AP, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Huntsville | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,814 | 185,097 |
| Median household income | $70,778 | $51,090 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 37.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.7% | 20% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.39 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 5.3% between Huntsville and Mobile (ACS 2023).
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
When is the best time to move from Huntsville 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 356 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Mobile compare to Huntsville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,660 in the Mobile MSA vs $49,440 in the Huntsville MSA, on total employment of 169,730 and 250,940 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Mobile compared to Huntsville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $194,564 in Mobile vs $287,569 in Huntsville — a 32.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Huntsville vs Mobile?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,090 in Mobile vs $70,778 in Huntsville — a 27.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Mobile more expensive than Huntsville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mobile is 5.3% lower than Huntsville (88.098 vs 93.072, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Mobile, AL from Huntsville, AL?
The driving distance is 356 mi and the route typically takes 6h 34m via I 65 and I 565. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Huntsville.
City profiles: Huntsville, AL · Mobile, AL.