Key factors that impact the cost of your Mobile to Plano move
What to know before moving from Mobile to Plano
Moving from Mobile to Plano comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Plano is generally more expensive than Mobile, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Mobile | Plano | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,300 | $2,100 |
Average home value | $186,159 | $511,000 |
Average income (per capita) | $61,962 | $67,874 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,825 | $2,506 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,104 | $6,078 |
Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 5.5% |
Sales tax | 10.0% | 8.25% |
State income tax | 5.0% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Plano are 62% higher than in Mobile, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Mobile.
Home prices in Plano are 174.5% higher than in Mobile. - Income in Plano is 9.5% higher than in Mobile, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Plano include Capital One Finance, DXC Technology, and Bank of America Home Loans.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Plano, since the cost of living for a single person in Plano is 37.3% higher than in Mobile. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Plano, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Plano is 48.1% higher than in Mobile.
- The unemployment rate in Plano is 11.29% lower than in Mobile.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Plano, since the cityโs sales taxes in Plano are 17.50% lower than in Mobile.
- One perk of moving to Plano is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Mobile.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,119.45 in Plano to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Mobile.
How life is different in Mobile vs. Plano
Plano | Mobile | |
---|---|---|
Population | 285,494 | 187,041 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 2 | 3 |
Walkability score | 41 | 32 |
Bike friendliness score | 52 | 34 |
Crime Index | 23.02 | 64.95 |
Safety Index | 76.98 | 35.05 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- The population of Plano is about 53% greater than Mobile, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Getting around Plano without a car might be more difficult than in Mobile. Plano has a public transportation score of 2 out of 10, whereas Mobile is ranked 3. Ratings are based on a cityโs transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Living in Plano means youโll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Mobile. Plano is considered more walkable than Mobile, with a score of 41 out of 100 versus 32 out of 100 in Mobile. A cityโs walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, Plano is considered more bike-friendly than Mobile in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Plano has a bike-friendliness score of 52 out of 100, while Mobile is rated as 34 out of 100.
- Plano has a lower crime rate than Mobile based on scores of 23.02 and Mobile's 64.95, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Plano than in Mobile, based on Planoโs safety index of 76.98 versus 35.05 for Mobile. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- The air quality in Plano and Mobile is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Mobile vs. Plano move
- Weather: Although temperatures throughout the year are suitable for moving, rainfall is more frequent in May and October meaning your move could be slightly delayed. Spring is the time of year that tornados in Plano are most likely.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Texas does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Plano. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Plano
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Hot Air Balloon Capital of Texas", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Plano.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Clearview
- Creekdale
- Indian Creek
- Liberty Park
- Parkbrooke
Best neighborhoods for families
- Willow Bend
- Kings Ridge
- Whiffletree
- Deerfield
- Ridgeview Ranch
Things to do in Plano
Once youโre settled into your new home in Texas, itโs time to get out and discover what Plano has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Plano features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Plano Station, Texas Electric Railway and Heritage Farmstead Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, Bob Woodruff Park, and Oak Point Park โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an World Olympic Gymnastics Academy game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Mobile to Plano?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Mobile to Plano are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Mobile are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Mobile to Plano?
With many people choosing to move from Mobile to Plano in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Mobile to Plano take?
Moving from Mobile, AL to Plano, TX covers 598 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Mobile movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Plano.