Performance
Score Breakdown
Florence
Phenix City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Florence is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
35% lower compared to Phenix City.
Housing costs are a major driver: Florence's average rent is
28% higher than Phenix City's.
| Metric | Florence | Phenix City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $895 | $700 | +28% |
| Groceries | $420 | $300 | +40% |
| Utilities | $165 | $150 | +10% |
| Transport | $105 | $500 | -79% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $1,000 | -85% |
| Monthly Total | $1,735 | $2,650 | -35% |
| Cost Index | 83 | 84 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Florence offers 13% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Florence delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Florence is estimated at
$41,317 vs $38,000 in Phenix City.
| Metric | Florence | Phenix City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $48,714 | $43,000 |
| Salary Needed | $41,317 | $38,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 58,692 idx | 51,190 idx |
| Household Income | $52,174 | $43,000 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Florence | Phenix City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 64.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Florence has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Phenix City.
For walkability, Phenix City leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Florence | Phenix City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 25 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 32.0/10 | 40.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 50.00 | 30.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Florence is the larger city
— approximately 1.1x 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, Florence has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Florence | Phenix City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 42,716 | 38,000 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 35.1 | 34.0 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Florence
Advantages
The cost of living in Florence is significantly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Florence boasts a vibrant arts scene, cultural festivals, and numerous recreational opportunities, enhancing the quality of life.
The city has experienced positive job growth, with employment increasing by 6.33% from 2023 to 2024.
Housing is more affordable in Florence, with median property values and average rents considerably below national figures.
The average commute time of 18.7 minutes is shorter than the national average, contributing to less time spent in traffic.
Drawbacks
Florence's violent crime rate is 35.9% above the national average, posing a concern for safety.
The city is largely car-dependent, with limited public transit options and few bike lanes.
The median household income in Florence is lower than that of the state of Alabama and Lauderdale County.
While overall crime rate dropped, the violent crime rate remains a significant drawback.
The walkability score of 32 indicates that most errands require a car.
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.
Florence
#36Alabama, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$895
Avg Salary
$48,714
Cost Index
83
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
32.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
70
Business
65
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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