Moving from Mobile, AL to Austin, TX
Relocating 619 mi from Mobile to Austin is a 11h 36m drive through 4 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.
619 mi Β· 11h 36m by car Β· TX β LA β MS β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β LA β MS β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 90, US 69 |
| Major cities en route | Round Rock, College Station, Houston, Pasadena, Beaumont |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mobile | Austin | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.098 | 98.066 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.185 | 82.044 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 60.116 | 120.361 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 11.3% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 11.3% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $194,564 to $508,530 moving to Austin.
YoY change: Mobile -2.1%, Austin -5.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mobile | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69Β°F | 70Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 42Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 97Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 60.5" | 36.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Mobile (69.1Β°F) and Austin (70.0Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Austin gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MOBILE DWTN AP, AL US, AUSTIN-CAMP MABRY, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mobile | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 185,097 | 967,862 |
| Median household income | $51,090 | $91,461 |
| Median age | 37.7 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20% | 36.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.2 |
Expect median household income to rise 11.3% β $51,090 β $91,461 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Austin MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 160,480 | $44,250 |
| Management Occupations | 121,080 | $120,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 115,170 | $38,390 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 115,080 | $30,040 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 99,680 | $77,510 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Alabama and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Austin average 97Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Austin, TX from Mobile, AL?
The driving distance is 619 mi and the route typically takes 11h 36m via I 10 and US 90. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Mobile vs Austin?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $91,461 in Austin vs $51,090 in Mobile β a 79.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Austin compare to Mobile?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,070 in the Austin MSA vs $41,660 in the Mobile MSA, on total employment of 1,235,440 and 169,730 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Austin more expensive than Mobile?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Austin is 11.3% higher than Mobile (98.066 vs 88.098, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Mobile to Austin?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 619 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Austin compared to Mobile?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $508,530 in Austin vs $194,564 in Mobile β a 161.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Mobile.
City profiles: Mobile, AL Β· Austin, TX.