Moving from West Palm Beach, FL to Mobile, AL
Relocating 656 mi from West Palm Beach to Mobile is a 11h 59m drive through 2 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.
656 mi Β· 11h 59m by car Β· AL β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 10, I 75, US 90 |
| Major cities en route | Tallahassee, Gainesville, Orlando, Palm Bay, Port St Lucie |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| West Palm Beach | Mobile | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 114.155 | 88.098 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 97.235 | 84.185 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.556 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 155.551 | 60.116 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP drops from 114.155 in West Palm Beach to 88.098 in Mobile, a 22.8% cut on the overall price level (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 22.8% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $399,471 to $194,564 moving to Mobile.
YoY change: West Palm Beach -3.1%, Mobile -2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | West Palm Beach | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 76Β°F | 69Β°F |
| January avg low | 58Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 61.7" | 60.5" |
Expect 6.7Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WEST PALM BEACH INTL AP, FL US, MOBILE DWTN AP, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | West Palm Beach | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 119,508 | 185,097 |
| Median household income | $69,261 | $51,090 |
| Median age | 40.2 | 37.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.4% | 20% |
| Avg household size | 2.37 | 2.39 |
Expect median household income to fall 22.8% β $69,261 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 Florida 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
Is Mobile more expensive than West Palm Beach?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mobile is 22.8% lower than West Palm Beach (88.098 vs 114.155, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Mobile compare to West Palm Beach?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,660 in the Mobile MSA vs $46,510 in the West Palm Beach MSA, on total employment of 169,730 and 2,721,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from West Palm Beach to Mobile?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 656 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Mobile, AL from West Palm Beach, FL?
The driving distance is 656 mi and the route typically takes 11h 59m via I 10 and I 75. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in West Palm Beach vs Mobile?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,090 in Mobile vs $69,261 in West Palm Beach β a 26.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Mobile compared to West Palm Beach?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $194,564 in Mobile vs $399,471 in West Palm Beach β a 51.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from West Palm Beach.
City profiles: West Palm Beach, FL Β· Mobile, AL.