Performance
Score Breakdown
Florence
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 Florence.
| Metric | Florence | Alabaster | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $895 | $0 | 0% |
| Groceries | $420 | $0 | 0% |
| Utilities | $165 | $0 | 0% |
| Transport | $105 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $1,735 | $0 | 0% |
| Cost Index | 83 | 98 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Florence offers 22% 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 $72,000 in Alabaster.
| Metric | Florence | Alabaster |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $48,714 | $40,018 |
| Salary Needed | $41,317 | $72,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 58,692 idx | 40,835 idx |
| Household Income | $52,174 | $91,357 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Florence | Alabaster |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Florence has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,000 minutes (100 hours) per year compared to Alabaster.
Florence scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Florence leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Florence | Alabaster |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 31 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 10.0/10 |
| Walkability | 32.0/10 | 10.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 50.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Florence is the larger city
— approximately 1.3x the population of Alabaster.
From a growth perspective, Florence 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 | Alabaster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 42,716 | 33,917 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 0.76% |
| Median Age | 35.1 | 39.6 |
| 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.
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.
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
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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