Moving from Scottsdale, AZ to Mobile, AL
Cross-country relocations like Scottsdale, AZ β Mobile, AL cover 1656 mi and about 28h 42m of driving through 6 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1656 mi Β· 28h 42m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β LA β MS β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β LA β MS β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, US 180, TX 130 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria, Phoenix, Glendale, Mesa, Gilbert |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Scottsdale | Mobile | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 88.098 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 84.185 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 60.116 | 100.0 |
Mobile is 14.7% cheaper than Scottsdale overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Mobile is 14.7% below Scottsdale β $858,022 vs $194,564 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Scottsdale +1.7%, Mobile -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Scottsdale | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 69Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 99Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 60.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Scottsdale (69.6Β°F) and Mobile (69.1Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US, MOBILE DWTN AP, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Scottsdale | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 242,169 | 185,097 |
| Median household income | $107,372 | $51,090 |
| Median age | 49.2 | 37.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.1% | 20% |
| Avg household size | 2.06 | 2.39 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 14.7% between Scottsdale 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.
Moving between Arizona 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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close 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.
- 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 Scottsdale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,660 in the Mobile MSA vs $48,600 in the Scottsdale MSA, on total employment of 169,730 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Mobile more expensive than Scottsdale?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mobile is 14.7% lower than Scottsdale (88.098 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Scottsdale vs Mobile?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,090 in Mobile vs $107,372 in Scottsdale β a 52.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Mobile, AL from Scottsdale, AZ?
The driving distance is 1656 mi and the route typically takes 28h 42m via I 10 and US 180. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Mobile compared to Scottsdale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $194,564 in Mobile vs $858,022 in Scottsdale β a 77.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Scottsdale to Mobile?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1656 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 Scottsdale.
City profiles: Scottsdale, AZ Β· Mobile, AL.