Performance
Score Breakdown
Dothan
Montgomery
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Montgomery is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
2% higher compared to Dothan.
Housing costs are a major driver: Dothan's average rent is
16% lower than Montgomery's.
| Metric | Dothan | Montgomery | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,242 | $1,485 | -16% |
| Groceries | $375 | $365 | +3% |
| Utilities | $278 | $215 | +29% |
| Transport | $375 | $150 | +150% |
| Healthcare | $256 | $250 | +2% |
| Monthly Total | $2,526 | $2,465 | +2% |
| Cost Index | 87 | 89 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Dothan offers 43% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Dothan delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Dothan is estimated at
$64,000 vs $55,000 in Montgomery.
| Metric | Dothan | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $51,000 | $35,571 |
| Salary Needed | $64,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 58,621 idx | 39,967 idx |
| Household Income | $55,792 | $56,811 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Dothan | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 73.00% | 80.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Montgomery scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Dothan leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Dothan | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 21 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 22.0/10 |
| Walkability | 30.0/10 | 26.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Montgomery is the larger city
— approximately 0.4x the population of Dothan.
From a growth perspective, Dothan is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Montgomery has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Dothan | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 72,242 | 197,494 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | % |
| Median Age | 40.2 | 36.6 |
| Unemployment | 3.40% | 3.00% |
| GDP | $— | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Dothan
Advantages
The cost of living in Dothan is significantly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Dothan is a regional healthcare hub with major hospitals and a medical college, ensuring good access to medical services.
The city offers diverse industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics, providing varied employment opportunities.
Residents have access to numerous outdoor activities and cultural attractions, such as the Forever Wild Trails, Botanical Gardens, and the Wiregrass Museum of Art.
The population has shown consistent growth, indicating a dynamic and developing community.
Drawbacks
Dothan has a high crime rate, particularly violent crime, which is significantly above the national average.
The city is largely car-dependent, with limited public transportation and low walkability scores in many areas.
Remote work opportunities are more limited compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Summers in Dothan are characterized by oppressive heat and high humidity.
The housing market can be competitive, with homes selling in an average of 60 days.
Montgomery
Advantages
The cost of living in Montgomery is 11% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Montgomery ranked #1 in Alabama for Capital Investment in New Projects in 2024, indicating a strong business environment.
The median home sale price of $205,000 (May 2026) is significantly lower than the national average, offering accessible homeownership.
The city offers diverse public transportation options, including fixed-route buses and on-demand micro-transit services.
Major hospitals like Baptist Medical Center East and South have received awards for specialized care, indicating quality healthcare services.
Drawbacks
Montgomery's crime rates are 47% higher than the Alabama average, posing a concern for residents.
The city has a low Walk Score of 26 and a Transit Score of 22, indicating high car dependency for most errands.
The median household income of $56,811 (2024) is lower than the national average.
Utilities in Montgomery are about 10% pricier than the U.S. average.
The city's population experienced a slight decline of -0.5% year-over-year in 2024.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Dothan
#96Alabama, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,242
Avg Salary
$51,000
Cost Index
87
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
30.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
62
Business
68
Montgomery
#102Alabama, USA
64.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,485
Avg Salary
$35,571
Cost Index
89
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
22.0/10
Walkability
26.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.00%
Livability
65
Business
75
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