Performance
Score Breakdown
Mobile
Alabaster
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Alabaster is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
0% higher compared to Mobile.
| Metric | Mobile | Alabaster | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,039 | $0 | 0% |
| Groceries | $429 | $0 | 0% |
| Utilities | $218 | $0 | 0% |
| Transport | $150 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $351 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,187 | $0 | 0% |
| Cost Index | 89 | 98 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Mobile offers 36% 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
$58,000 vs $72,000 in Alabaster.
| Metric | Mobile | Alabaster |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $54,496 | $40,018 |
| Salary Needed | $58,000 | $72,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,231 idx | 40,835 idx |
| Household Income | $53,558 | $91,357 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Mobile | Alabaster |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 74.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Mobile has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,000 minutes (67 hours) per year compared to Alabaster.
Mobile 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 | Alabaster |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 23 min | 31 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 10.0/10 |
| Walkability | 62.0/10 | 10.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | ||
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Mobile is the larger city
— approximately 5.9x the population of Alabaster.
From a growth perspective, Alabaster 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 | Alabaster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 201,367 | 33,917 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 0.76% |
| Median Age | 37.3 | 39.6 |
| Unemployment | 3.30% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Mobile
Advantages
The cost of living in Mobile is 11% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Housing expenses are significantly lower than the national average, with median home values at $193,300 in 2024.
The average one-way commute time of 22.8 minutes is shorter than the U.S. average.
Mobile boasts a rich cultural heritage and is the birthplace of Mardi Gras in America, offering vibrant traditions and festivals.
The city provides ample outdoor recreational opportunities with access to the Mobile-Tensaw River, golf courses, and nearby beaches.
Drawbacks
Mobile's population is currently experiencing a slight decline, with an annual rate of -0.61% in 2026.
Healthcare costs in Mobile are reported to be 12% higher than the national average.
Public transportation options are limited, as indicated by a low Transit Score of 20.
Utility prices in Mobile are slightly higher than the national average.
Some reports indicate higher crime rates compared to the Alabama average, though specific safety scores are inconsistent.
Alabaster
Advantages
Affordability compared to national averages.
High homeownership rate and stable housing market.
Strong job growth, particularly in healthcare and education.
Family-friendly environment with good schools and community events.
Low crime rates contributing to a safe living environment.
Drawbacks
Car-dependent with limited public transportation and low walkability.
Longer-than-average commute times.
Limited amenities within walking distance.
Inaccessibility of certain health-related facilities in some areas.
Hot summers can be a factor for some residents.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Mobile
#19Alabama, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,039
Avg Salary
$54,496
Cost Index
89
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
62.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.30%
Livability
73
Business
68
Alabaster
#12Alabama, USA
76.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$0
Avg Salary
$40,018
Cost Index
98
Commute
31 min
Transit Score
10.0/10
Walkability
10.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.76%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
76
Business
80
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