Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Mobile, AL
Relocating 1208 mi from Minneapolis to Mobile is a 23h 3m drive through 7 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.
1208 mi Β· 23h 3m by car Β· MN β IA β MO β AR β TN β MS β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β IA β MO β AR β TN β MS β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | IA 27, I 55, US 45 |
| Major cities en route | St Paul, Cedar Rapids, St Louis, Memphis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Minneapolis | Mobile | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 88.098 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 84.185 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 60.116 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 16.0% moving from Minneapolis to Mobile β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $330,882 in Minneapolis to $194,564 in Mobile, a 16.0% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Minneapolis +1.4%, Mobile -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Minneapolis | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 46Β°F | 69Β°F |
| January avg low | 8Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.4" | 60.5" |
Annual average temperature jumps 23.3Β°F β 45.8Β°F in Minneapolis vs 69.1Β°F in Mobile, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWER ST ANTHONY FALLS, MN US, MOBILE DWTN AP, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Minneapolis | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 426,845 | 185,097 |
| Median household income | $80,269 | $51,090 |
| Median age | 33 | 37.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.7% | 20% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.39 |
Expect median household income to fall 16.0% β $80,269 β $51,090 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Minnesota 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 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-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- 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 92Β°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 β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (23.3Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Minneapolis to Mobile?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1208 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Minneapolis vs Mobile?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,090 in Mobile vs $80,269 in Minneapolis β a 36.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Mobile more expensive than Minneapolis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mobile is 16.0% lower than Minneapolis (88.098 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Mobile compared to Minneapolis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $194,564 in Mobile vs $330,882 in Minneapolis β a 41.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Mobile, AL from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance is 1208 mi and the route typically takes 23h 3m via IA 27 and I 55. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Mobile compare to Minneapolis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,660 in the Mobile MSA vs $54,850 in the Minneapolis MSA, on total employment of 169,730 and 1,911,030 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 Minneapolis.
City profiles: Minneapolis, MN Β· Mobile, AL.