Performance
Score Breakdown
Montgomery
Gadsden
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Gadsden is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
30% higher compared to Montgomery.
Housing costs are a major driver: Montgomery's average rent is
69% higher than Gadsden's.
| Metric | Montgomery | Gadsden | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,180 | $700 | +69% |
| Groceries | $470 | $450 | +4% |
| Utilities | $195 | $283 | -31% |
| Transport | $160 | $150 | +7% |
| Healthcare | $380 | $250 | +52% |
| Monthly Total | $2,385 | $1,833 | +30% |
| Cost Index | 87 | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Montgomery offers 26% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Montgomery delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Montgomery is estimated at
$50,000 vs $50,000 in Gadsden.
| Metric | Montgomery | Gadsden |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $56,000 | $44,346 |
| Salary Needed | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 64,368 idx | 52,172 idx |
| Household Income | $53,400 | $40,345 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Montgomery runs warmer on average — a 66°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Montgomery comes out ahead with 220 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Montgomery sees 0.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Montgomery | Gadsden |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 66.00°F | °F |
| Summer High | 92.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 38.00°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 51.00 in | in |
| Snowfall | 0.20 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 220 | |
| Humidity | 71.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Montgomery scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Montgomery leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Montgomery | Gadsden |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 21 min |
| Transit Score | 38.4/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 42.0/10 | 25.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 44.30 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Montgomery is the larger city
— approximately 5.9x the population of Gadsden.
From a growth perspective, Montgomery 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 | Montgomery | Gadsden |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,218 | 33,374 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.60% | % |
| Median Age | 35.9 | 38.6 |
| Unemployment | 4.30% | 3.00% |
| GDP | $29.8B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Montgomery
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.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Montgomery
#13Alabama, USA
75.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,180
Avg Salary
$56,000
Cost Index
87
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
38.4/10
Walkability
42.0/10
Sunny Days
220/yr
Avg Temp
66.00°F
Pop. Growth
0.60%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
75
Business
74
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
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