Performance
Score Breakdown
Northport
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 Northport.
| Metric | Northport | Alabaster | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,500 | $0 | 0% |
| Groceries | $423 | $0 | 0% |
| Utilities | $158 | $0 | 0% |
| Transport | $385 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $263 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,729 | $0 | 0% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 98 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Northport offers 9% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Northport delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Northport is estimated at
$40,836 vs $72,000 in Alabaster.
| Metric | Northport | Alabaster |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $43,761 | $40,018 |
| Salary Needed | $40,836 | $72,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 44,654 idx | 40,835 idx |
| Household Income | $80,913 | $91,357 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Northport | Alabaster |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 72.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Northport has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to Alabaster.
For walkability, Northport leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Northport | Alabaster |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 31 min |
| Transit Score | 10.0/10 | 10.0/10 |
| Walkability | 27.0/10 | 10.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | ||
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Alabaster is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Northport is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Northport has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Northport | Alabaster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 33,797 | 33,917 |
| Pop. Growth | 4.10% | 0.76% |
| Median Age | 36.8 | 39.6 |
| Unemployment | 2.30% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Northport
Advantages
The cost of living in Northport is 2% lower than the U.S. national average, with housing costs being 23.8% lower.
Northport is known for being a safe place to live, contributing to peace of mind for residents.
The city boasts a livability score of 76 out of 100, ranking well for amenities, cost of living, and housing.
The median household income in Northport was $80,913 in 2024, reflecting a 4.03% one-year growth.
The average home value increased by 2.3% over the past year to $268,786 as of April 2026.
Drawbacks
Public transportation options within Northport are very limited, making the city largely car-dependent.
The average Walk Score for Northport is 27, indicating that most errands require a car.
While the overall cost of living is lower, food expenses are slightly above the national average.
Job growth rate data for Northport specifically is not readily available, with some data indicating a slight decline in employed population in 2024.
Summers in Northport are long, hot, and muggy, which can be uncomfortable for some residents.
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.
Northport
#19Alabama, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,500
Avg Salary
$43,761
Cost Index
98
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
10.0/10
Walkability
27.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
4.10%
Unemployment
2.30%
Livability
76
Business
65
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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