Performance
Score Breakdown
Auburn
Northport
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Northport is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
4% higher compared to Auburn.
Housing costs are a major driver: Auburn's average rent is
21% higher than Northport's.
| Metric | Auburn | Northport | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,032 | $1,684 | +21% |
| Groceries | $350 | $450 | -22% |
| Utilities | $229 | $250 | -8% |
| Transport | $120 | $150 | -20% |
| Healthcare | $160 | $250 | -36% |
| Monthly Total | $2,891 | $2,784 | +4% |
| Cost Index | 96 | 87 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Auburn offers 15% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Auburn delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Auburn is estimated at
$55,000 vs $45,000 in Northport.
| Metric | Auburn | Northport |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $51,096 | $44,414 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 53,225 idx | 51,051 idx |
| Household Income | $63,668 | $80,913 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Auburn | Northport |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 67.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Auburn scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Auburn leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Auburn | Northport |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 25.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 28.0/10 | 27.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Auburn is the larger city
— approximately 2.8x the population of Northport.
From a growth perspective, Auburn 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 | Auburn | Northport |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 88,918 | 31,714 |
| Pop. Growth | 5.20% | 0.21% |
| Median Age | 25.9 | 36.8 |
| Unemployment | 2.50% | 2.10% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Auburn
Advantages
Auburn consistently ranks among the top places to live in the U.S., recognized for its high quality of life and welcoming community.
The city boasts a nationally ranked public school system, making it attractive for families. [cite: 13, 15 in previous search, 39]
Auburn's economy is strong and growing, ranking among the top 10 Best-Performing Small Cities in 2026.
The cost of living in Auburn is 4% lower than the national average, with housing expenses being particularly affordable.
Crime rates saw an overall decrease in 2024, with significant drops in violent, property, and non-violent crimes.
Drawbacks
Despite overall affordability, utility costs in Auburn are 6% higher than the national average, largely due to high energy consumption for cooling.
Auburn is primarily a car-dependent city with limited public transit options, reflected in its average Walk Score of 28.
While violent crime is low, NeighborhoodScout indicates that Auburn's property crime rate is above average compared to all communities in America. [cite: 26 in previous search]
The median age of 25.9 years, while vibrant, might indicate a younger demographic that may not appeal to all residents.
The state of Alabama's health system was ranked 42nd nationally in 2025, suggesting broader systemic challenges despite local hospital quality. [cite: 45 in previous search]
Northport
Advantages
The cost of living in Northport is 13% less than the national average, making it a highly affordable place to reside.
Northport ranks in the 68th percentile for safety, indicating it is safer than a majority of U.S. cities.
The city boasts a strong sense of community and a welcoming, small-town atmosphere.
Residents have access to numerous parks and outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, and fishing.
The historic downtown district offers a vibrant arts scene, unique shops, and diverse dining experiences.
Drawbacks
Northport exhibits high car dependency, with limited public transportation options.
The city experienced a slight decline in overall employment at a rate of -0.243% from 2023 to 2024.
While generally safe, Northport's crime rate is higher than average when compared to other communities of similar population sizes.
Specific data for certain cost breakdowns, like monthly transit passes and home purchase price per square foot, are not readily available for recent years.
The walkability score of 27 indicates that most daily errands require a car.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Auburn
#21Alabama, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,032
Avg Salary
$51,096
Cost Index
96
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
25.0/10
Walkability
28.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
5.20%
Unemployment
2.50%
Livability
74
Business
70
Northport
#21Alabama, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,684
Avg Salary
$44,414
Cost Index
87
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
27.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.21%
Unemployment
2.10%
Livability
76
Business
60
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