Performance
Score Breakdown
Madison
Gadsden
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Gadsden is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
74% higher compared to Madison.
Housing costs are a major driver: Madison's average rent is
151% higher than Gadsden's.
| Metric | Madison | Gadsden | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,760 | $700 | +151% |
| Groceries | $550 | $450 | +22% |
| Utilities | $245 | $283 | -13% |
| Transport | $195 | $150 | +30% |
| Healthcare | $440 | $250 | +76% |
| Monthly Total | $3,190 | $1,833 | +74% |
| Cost Index | 103 | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Madison offers 102% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Madison delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Madison is estimated at
$73,000 vs $50,000 in Gadsden.
| Metric | Madison | Gadsden |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $89,500 | $44,346 |
| Salary Needed | $73,000 | $50,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 86,893 idx | 52,172 idx |
| Household Income | $89,100 | $40,345 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Madison runs warmer on average — a 62.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Madison comes out ahead with 214 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Madison sees 1.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Madison | Gadsden |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 62.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 89.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 33.00°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 55.00 in | in |
| Snowfall | 1.80 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 214 | |
| Humidity | 66.00% | 75.00% |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Madison is the larger city
— approximately 1.8x the population of Gadsden.
From a growth perspective, Madison is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Madison has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Madison | Gadsden |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 61,000 | 33,374 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.40% | % |
| Median Age | 35.2 | 38.6 |
| Unemployment | 2.40% | 3.00% |
| GDP | $9.8B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Madison
Advantages
High incomes and safety
Drawbacks
Housing costs rising
Gadsden
Advantages
Median home sale price of $165,000 (May 2026) is significantly lower than the national average, making homeownership more accessible.
Overall cost of living is 15% lower than the national average.
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is around $700 per month (June 2026), offering affordable rental options.
Home to two hospitals, Gadsden Regional Medical Center and Riverview Regional Medical Center, offering top-rated programs and quality care.
Features a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons, providing varied weather experiences throughout the year.
Drawbacks
The overall crime rate is 49% higher than the national average, with violent crimes being 62% higher.
The city is considered car-dependent, with a Walk Score of 25, meaning most errands require a car.
Median household income of $40,345 (2024) is lower than the national average.
Population has experienced a negative growth rate of -1.2% annually between 2019 and 2024.
Utility costs, particularly electricity, are higher than the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Madison
#1Alabama, USA
91.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,760
Avg Salary
$89,500
Cost Index
103
Sunny Days
214/yr
Avg Temp
62.90°F
Pop. Growth
2.40%
Unemployment
2.40%
Livability
92
Business
89
Gadsden
#40Alabama, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$700
Avg Salary
$44,346
Cost Index
85
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.00%
Livability
67
Business
58
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