Performance
Score Breakdown
Mobile
Northport
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Mobile is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
20% lower compared to Northport.
Housing costs are a major driver: Mobile's average rent is
31% lower than Northport's.
| Metric | Mobile | Northport | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,039 | $1,500 | -31% |
| Groceries | $429 | $423 | +1% |
| Utilities | $218 | $158 | +38% |
| Transport | $150 | $385 | -61% |
| Healthcare | $351 | $263 | +33% |
| Monthly Total | $2,187 | $2,729 | -20% |
| Cost Index | 89 | 98 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Mobile offers 25% 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 $40,836 in Northport.
| Metric | Mobile | Northport |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $54,496 | $43,761 |
| Salary Needed | $58,000 | $40,836 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,231 idx | 44,654 idx |
| Household Income | $53,558 | $80,913 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Mobile | Northport |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 74.00% | 72.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
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 | Northport |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 23 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 10.0/10 |
| Walkability | 62.0/10 | 27.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | ||
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Mobile is the larger city
— approximately 6x 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 | Mobile | Northport |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 201,367 | 33,797 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 4.10% |
| Median Age | 37.3 | 36.8 |
| 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.
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.
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
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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