Performance
Score Breakdown
Mobile
Florence
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Mobile is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
7% lower compared to Florence.
| Metric | Mobile | Florence | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,132 | $1,195 | -5% |
| Groceries | $450 | $550 | -18% |
| Utilities | $398 | $344 | +16% |
| Transport | $120 | $323 | -63% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $126 | +98% |
| Monthly Total | $2,350 | $2,538 | -7% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 83 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Mobile offers 63% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Mobile delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Mobile is estimated at
$55,000 vs $52,000 in Florence.
| Metric | Mobile | Florence |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $41,838 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 77,273 idx | 50,407 idx |
| Household Income | $53,558 | $52,174 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Mobile | Florence |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 74.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Florence has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Mobile.
Florence scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Mobile leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Mobile | Florence |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 19 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 61.0/10 | 32.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 55.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Mobile is the larger city
— approximately 4.7x the population of Florence.
From a growth perspective, Florence is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Mobile has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Mobile | Florence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 201,367 | 43,097 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 1.21% |
| Median Age | 37.3 | 35.1 |
| Unemployment | 3.30% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Mobile
Advantages
The cost of living in Mobile is 12% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Mobile County experienced significant job growth, adding 3,400 jobs from June 2024 to June 2025.
The average commute time of 21.9 minutes is shorter than the U.S. average, improving daily travel.
Mobile Infirmary was recognized among Southern Alabama's Best Regional Hospitals in 2024-25 by U.S. News & World Report.
The city boasts a rich cultural heritage, being the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the United States.
Drawbacks
Mobile's overall crime rate is 67% above the national average, with violent crimes 109% higher.
The city's population is currently declining at an annual rate of -0.61% as of 2026.
Utility prices in Mobile are about 5% higher than the national average.
Public transportation usage is very low, with only 0.8% of the population taking mass transit.
The poverty rate in Mobile was 18.4% in 2024, higher than the national average.
Florence
Advantages
The cost of living in Florence is 16.8% lower than the national average, making it highly affordable.
Housing costs are significantly lower, with the median home price at $235,000 in May 2026, which is 49% lower than the national average.
Florence experienced a strong employment growth rate of 6.33% from 2023 to 2024.
The average commute time is relatively short at 18.7 minutes.
The city offers a vibrant cultural scene and access to outdoor activities along the Tennessee River.
Drawbacks
The overall crime rate in Florence is 25% higher than the national average, with violent crimes being 75% higher.
Florence has a low Walk Score of 32, indicating high car dependency for most errands.
Public transit options are limited, contributing to the city's car-dependent nature.
A significant portion of major roads and highways in the Florence area are in poor or mediocre condition.
The unemployment rate for Florence specifically was not readily available in recent data.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Mobile
#50Alabama, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,132
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
88
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
61.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.30%
Livability
73
Business
70
Florence
#65Alabama, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,195
Avg Salary
$41,838
Cost Index
83
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
32.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.21%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
75
Business
65
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