Performance
Score Breakdown
Mobile
Enterprise
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Mobile is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
13% lower compared to Enterprise.
Housing costs are a major driver: Mobile's average rent is
31% lower than Enterprise's.
| Metric | Mobile | Enterprise | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,039 | $1,495 | -31% |
| Groceries | $429 | $400 | +7% |
| Utilities | $218 | $260 | -16% |
| Transport | $150 | $120 | +25% |
| Healthcare | $351 | $250 | +40% |
| Monthly Total | $2,187 | $2,525 | -13% |
| Cost Index | 89 | 82 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Mobile offers 15% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Mobile delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Mobile is estimated at
$58,000 vs $59,800 in Enterprise.
| Metric | Mobile | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $54,496 | $47,412 |
| Salary Needed | $58,000 | $59,800 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,231 idx | 57,820 idx |
| Household Income | $53,558 | $73,125 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Mobile | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 74.00% | 71.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Enterprise has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Mobile.
Mobile scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Mobile leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Mobile | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 23 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 10.0/10 |
| Walkability | 62.0/10 | 19.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | ||
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Mobile is the larger city
— approximately 6.4x the population of Enterprise.
From a growth perspective, Enterprise is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Enterprise has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Mobile | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 201,367 | 31,698 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 1.56% |
| Median Age | 37.3 | 36.5 |
| Unemployment | 3.30% | 2.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Mobile
Advantages
The cost of living in Mobile is 11% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Housing expenses are significantly lower than the national average, with median home values at $193,300 in 2024.
The average one-way commute time of 22.8 minutes is shorter than the U.S. average.
Mobile boasts a rich cultural heritage and is the birthplace of Mardi Gras in America, offering vibrant traditions and festivals.
The city provides ample outdoor recreational opportunities with access to the Mobile-Tensaw River, golf courses, and nearby beaches.
Drawbacks
Mobile's population is currently experiencing a slight decline, with an annual rate of -0.61% in 2026.
Healthcare costs in Mobile are reported to be 12% higher than the national average.
Public transportation options are limited, as indicated by a low Transit Score of 20.
Utility prices in Mobile are slightly higher than the national average.
Some reports indicate higher crime rates compared to the Alabama average, though specific safety scores are inconsistent.
Enterprise
Advantages
The median rent in Enterprise is 23% below the national average, making housing more affordable.
Enterprise has a growing population, with a 1.56% annual growth rate in 2026.
The city's unemployment rate was 2.3% in April 2026, significantly lower than the national average.
Medical Center Enterprise earned an 'A' Hospital Safety Grade in Spring 2026, indicating high-quality healthcare services.
The city offers a newly renovated recreation center with modern fitness and aquatic facilities, enhancing community amenities.
Drawbacks
Enterprise has a low Walk Score of 19, indicating it is a car-dependent city with limited walkability.
Public transit options are very limited, with a low Transit Access score of 1/10.
Crime rates in Enterprise are reported to be higher than the national average, particularly for violent crimes.
Summers in Enterprise are long, hot, and oppressive, with high humidity levels.
Some online claims about the city's crime rate rely on outdated data, leading to potential misinformation.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Mobile
#19Alabama, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,039
Avg Salary
$54,496
Cost Index
89
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
62.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.30%
Livability
73
Business
68
Enterprise
#36Alabama, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,495
Avg Salary
$47,412
Cost Index
82
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
10.0/10
Walkability
19.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.56%
Unemployment
2.30%
Livability
65
Business
65
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