Moving from New Orleans, LA to Mobile, AL
It is a 130 mi drive, roughly 2h 29m, between New Orleans, LA and Mobile, AL. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
130 mi Β· 2h 29m by car Β· LA β MS β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | LA β MS β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 90, I 65 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| New Orleans | Mobile | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.597 | 88.098 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 71.231 | 84.185 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.691 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.009 | 60.116 | 100.0 |
New Orleans and Mobile sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Mobile run about 4.9% cheaper β ZHVI $242,493 β $194,564 (2026-03).
YoY change: New Orleans -3.2%, Mobile -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | New Orleans | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 69Β°F |
| January avg low | 47Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 60.1" | 60.5" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 70.9Β°F vs 69.1Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: NEW ORLEANS LAKEFRONT AP, LA US, MOBILE DWTN AP, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | New Orleans | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 376,035 | 185,097 |
| Median household income | $55,339 | $51,090 |
| Median age | 38.4 | 37.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.5% | 20% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.39 |
Households in Mobile earn about 4.9% less at the median β ACS 5-year 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 Louisiana 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.
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.
- 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 the job market in Mobile compare to New Orleans?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,660 in the Mobile MSA vs $43,510 in the New Orleans MSA, on total employment of 169,730 and 514,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Mobile compared to New Orleans?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $194,564 in Mobile vs $242,493 in New Orleans β a 19.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in New Orleans vs Mobile?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,090 in Mobile vs $55,339 in New Orleans β a 7.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Mobile more expensive than New Orleans?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mobile is 4.9% lower than New Orleans (88.098 vs 92.597, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Mobile, AL from New Orleans, LA?
The driving distance is 130 mi and the route typically takes 2h 29m via I 10 and US 90. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from New Orleans to Mobile?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 130 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from New Orleans.
City profiles: New Orleans, LA Β· Mobile, AL.