Performance
Score Breakdown
Gadsden
Phenix City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Gadsden is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
31% lower compared to Phenix City.
| Metric | Gadsden | Phenix City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $700 | $700 | 0% |
| Groceries | $450 | $300 | +50% |
| Utilities | $283 | $150 | +89% |
| Transport | $150 | $500 | -70% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $1,000 | -75% |
| Monthly Total | $1,833 | $2,650 | -31% |
| Cost Index | 85 | 84 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Gadsden offers 3% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Gadsden delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Gadsden is estimated at
$50,000 vs $38,000 in Phenix City.
| Metric | Gadsden | Phenix City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $44,346 | $43,000 |
| Salary Needed | $50,000 | $38,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 52,172 idx | 51,190 idx |
| Household Income | $40,345 | $43,000 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Gadsden | Phenix City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | 64.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Gadsden has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Phenix City.
For walkability, Phenix City leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Gadsden | Phenix City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 25 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 25.0/10 | 40.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Phenix City is the larger city
— approximately 0.9x the population of Gadsden.
From a growth perspective, Phenix City is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Gadsden has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Gadsden | Phenix City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 33,374 | 38,000 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 38.6 | 34.0 |
| Unemployment | 3.00% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
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.
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.
Gadsden
#40Alabama, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$700
Avg Salary
$44,346
Cost Index
85
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
25.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.00%
Livability
67
Business
58
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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