Performance
Score Breakdown
Montgomery
Enterprise
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Montgomery is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
5% lower compared to Enterprise.
| Metric | Montgomery | Enterprise | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,485 | $1,375 | +8% |
| Groceries | $365 | $400 | -9% |
| Utilities | $215 | $200 | +8% |
| Transport | $150 | $375 | -60% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $256 | -2% |
| Monthly Total | $2,465 | $2,606 | -5% |
| Cost Index | 89 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Montgomery offers 2% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Montgomery delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Montgomery is estimated at
$55,000 vs $24,300 in Enterprise.
| Metric | Montgomery | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $35,571 | $34,809 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $24,300 |
| Purchasing Power | 39,967 idx | 36,641 idx |
| Household Income | $56,811 | $73,125 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Montgomery | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 80.00% | 75.00% |
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, Montgomery leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Montgomery | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 22.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 26.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | ||
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Montgomery is the larger city
— approximately 6.3x the population of Enterprise.
From a growth perspective, Enterprise 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 | Montgomery | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,494 | 31,231 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 0.57% |
| Median Age | 36.6 | 36.5 |
| Unemployment | 3.00% | 3.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
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.
Enterprise
Advantages
The cost of living in Enterprise is 5% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Enterprise's housing market is strong, with an A+ rating for housing affordability and robust appreciation rates.
The Enterprise-Ozark Micropolitan area was ranked as the strongest economy in Alabama and 28th strongest nationally.
Medical Center Enterprise received an 'A' Hospital Safety Grade in Spring 2026, indicating high-quality healthcare services.
The average commute time of 20.1 minutes is shorter than the national average, improving daily convenience for residents.
Drawbacks
Enterprise's total crime rate is 42% higher than the national average, with violent crimes being 74% higher.
The city has limited public transportation options, leading to high car dependency for residents.
Some residents feel the city is having difficulty keeping up with the demand for new public schools and retail outlets despite its growth.
The safety score for Enterprise is relatively low at 19/100.
Amenities are rated poorly in Enterprise, potentially requiring residents to travel for certain services or entertainment.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Montgomery
#99Alabama, 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
Enterprise
#68Alabama, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,375
Avg Salary
$34,809
Cost Index
95
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.57%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
65
Business
75
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