Performance
Score Breakdown
Mobile
Phenix City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Mobile is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
17% lower compared to Phenix City.
Housing costs are a major driver: Mobile's average rent is
48% higher than Phenix City's.
| Metric | Mobile | Phenix City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,039 | $700 | +48% |
| Groceries | $429 | $300 | +43% |
| Utilities | $218 | $150 | +45% |
| Transport | $150 | $500 | -70% |
| Healthcare | $351 | $1,000 | -65% |
| Monthly Total | $2,187 | $2,650 | -17% |
| Cost Index | 89 | 84 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Mobile offers 27% 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 $38,000 in Phenix City.
| Metric | Mobile | Phenix City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $54,496 | $43,000 |
| Salary Needed | $58,000 | $38,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,231 idx | 51,190 idx |
| Household Income | $53,558 | $43,000 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Mobile | Phenix City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 74.00% | 64.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
For walkability, Mobile leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Mobile | Phenix City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 23 min | 25 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 62.0/10 | 40.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Mobile is the larger city
— approximately 5.3x the population of Phenix City.
From a growth perspective, Phenix City 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 | Phenix City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 201,367 | 38,000 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 37.3 | 34.0 |
| 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.
Phenix City
Advantages
Affordable housing options
Low cost of living
Growing economy
Rich history and culture
Outdoor recreational opportunities
Drawbacks
Higher crime rate
Limited public transportation options
Aging housing stock
Limited job opportunities in certain industries
Summer heat and humidity
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
Phenix City
#31Alabama, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$700
Avg Salary
$43,000
Cost Index
84
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
40.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.20%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
80
Business
65
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