Performance
Score Breakdown
Florence
Northport
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Florence is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
36% lower compared to Northport.
Housing costs are a major driver: Florence's average rent is
40% lower than Northport's.
| Metric | Florence | Northport | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $895 | $1,500 | -40% |
| Groceries | $420 | $423 | -1% |
| Utilities | $165 | $158 | +4% |
| Transport | $105 | $385 | -73% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $263 | -43% |
| Monthly Total | $1,735 | $2,729 | -36% |
| Cost Index | 83 | 98 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Florence offers 11% 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 $40,836 in Northport.
| Metric | Florence | Northport |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $48,714 | $43,761 |
| Salary Needed | $41,317 | $40,836 |
| Purchasing Power | 58,692 idx | 44,654 idx |
| Household Income | $52,174 | $80,913 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Florence | Northport |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 72.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Florence has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Northport.
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 | Northport |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 10.0/10 |
| Walkability | 32.0/10 | 27.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 50.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Florence is the larger city
— approximately 1.3x the population of Northport.
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 | Florence | Northport |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 42,716 | 33,797 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 4.10% |
| Median Age | 35.1 | 36.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 2.30% |
| 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.
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.
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
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
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