Average Rent in Mobile, AL🔺 7th priciest in AL
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 413,162
Market Overview
Mobile, AL has rental prices ranging from $812/month to $1,464/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $908/month — 35% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $58,119/year, spending $908/month on a 1-bedroom represents 19% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Mobile Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,094/month, Mobile ranks #7 most expensive of the 58 cities tracked in Alabama — pricier than 74% of all US cities in our data.
The Mobile Rental Market
The Mobile, AL area has a population of about 413,162 and 35% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Mobile, AL have fallen by $0/month (0.0%) over the past year, from $1,094 to $1,094. Rents have remained relatively stable year over year, indicating a balanced rental market in the area.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Mobile, AL without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $36,320. The local median household income of $58,119 exceeds that threshold by $21,799, making Mobile relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Rent vs. Buy
The median home value in Mobile, AL is $198,986, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 15.2. The break-even point between renting and buying is roughly 15 years — renting offers more flexibility for shorter stays, while buying makes more sense for long-term residents.
Neighborhoods
Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Mobile's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Fisher ($39,785 median home value), Neely ($49,544 median home value), Owens ($53,364 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2025Is Mobile, AL Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in ALlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | $998 | $1,144 | $1,267 | $1,583 | — |
| Huntsville | $928 | $1,071 | $1,248 | $1,609 | — |
| Washington County | $810 | $908 | $1,092 | $1,435 | — |
| Montgomery | $848 | $888 | $1,055 | $1,345 | — |
| Columbus | $883 | $937 | $1,108 | $1,463 | — |
| Greene County | $813 | $819 | $1,074 | $1,294 | — |
Rent or Buy in Mobile?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Mobile data
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
Mortgage Calculator
Estimate monthly payment for $198,986 home at 7% rate
Living in Mobile
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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⚖️Rent vs Buy in MobileIs it cheaper to rent or buy here?
💵Rent Affordability in MobileSalary needed to afford rent here
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