Performance
Score Breakdown
Gadsden
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 Gadsden.
| Metric | Gadsden | Alabaster | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $700 | $0 | 0% |
| Groceries | $450 | $0 | 0% |
| Utilities | $283 | $0 | 0% |
| Transport | $150 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $1,833 | $0 | 0% |
| Cost Index | 85 | 98 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Gadsden offers 11% 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 $72,000 in Alabaster.
| Metric | Gadsden | Alabaster |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $44,346 | $40,018 |
| Salary Needed | $50,000 | $72,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 52,172 idx | 40,835 idx |
| Household Income | $40,345 | $91,357 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Gadsden | Alabaster |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Gadsden has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 hours) per year compared to Alabaster.
Gadsden scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Gadsden leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Gadsden | Alabaster |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 31 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 10.0/10 |
| Walkability | 25.0/10 | 10.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | ||
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Alabaster is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Alabaster 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 | Alabaster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 33,374 | 33,917 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 0.76% |
| Median Age | 38.6 | 39.6 |
| 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.
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.
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
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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