Moving from Memphis, TN to Mobile, AL
The 374 mi from Memphis to Mobile translate to about 7h 21m behind the wheel through 3 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.
374 mi · 7h 21m by car · TN → MS → AL
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → MS → AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 45, US 78, US 45 ALT |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Memphis | Mobile | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.179 | 88.098 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.097 | 84.185 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.221 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.807 | 60.116 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Mobile and Memphis 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 4.4% above Memphis — $144,710 vs $194,564 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Memphis -3.1%, Mobile -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Memphis | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 69°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 43°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.7" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 54.9" | 60.5" |
Climate warms by 5.7°F on the annual average — 63.4°F → 69.1°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US, MOBILE DWTN AP, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Memphis | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 629,063 | 185,097 |
| Median household income | $51,211 | $51,090 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 37.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 20% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.39 |
Median household incomes in Memphis ($51,211) and Mobile ($51,090) are within a few percent (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.
Moving between Tennessee and Alabama
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Alabama'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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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.
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
- 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.
- Register to vote in Alabama after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Memphis vs Mobile?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,090 in Mobile vs $51,211 in Memphis — a 0.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Mobile more expensive than Memphis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mobile is 4.4% lower than Memphis (88.098 vs 92.179, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Memphis 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 374 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Mobile compared to Memphis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $194,564 in Mobile vs $144,710 in Memphis — a 34.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Mobile, AL from Memphis, TN?
The driving distance is 374 mi and the route typically takes 7h 21m via US 45 and US 78. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Mobile compare to Memphis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,660 in the Mobile MSA vs $43,400 in the Memphis MSA, on total employment of 169,730 and 625,340 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 Memphis.
City profiles: Memphis, TN · Mobile, AL.