Performance
Score Breakdown
Gadsden
Enterprise
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Gadsden is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
14% lower compared to Enterprise.
Housing costs are a major driver: Gadsden's average rent is
39% lower than Enterprise's.
| Metric | Gadsden | Enterprise | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $839 | $1,375 | -39% |
| Groceries | $589 | $400 | +47% |
| Utilities | $271 | $200 | +36% |
| Transport | $400 | $375 | +7% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $256 | -41% |
| Monthly Total | $2,249 | $2,606 | -14% |
| Cost Index | 85 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Gadsden offers 60% 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
$29,004 vs $24,300 in Enterprise.
| Metric | Gadsden | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $55,742 | $34,809 |
| Salary Needed | $29,004 | $24,300 |
| Purchasing Power | 65,579 idx | 36,641 idx |
| Household Income | $40,345 | $73,125 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Gadsden | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Enterprise has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Gadsden.
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 | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 26 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 25.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | ||
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Gadsden is the larger city
— approximately 1.1x 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 | Gadsden | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 33,219 | 31,231 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 0.57% |
| Median Age | 38.6 | 36.5 |
| Unemployment | 3.50% | 3.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Gadsden
Advantages
The cost of living in Gadsden is 15% lower than the national average, making it a highly affordable place to reside.
Housing costs are significantly lower than the U.S. average, with median home values at $167,100 in 2024 and average 1-bedroom rent at $796 in July 2026.
Gadsden boasts natural attractions like Noccalula Falls Park and access to the Coosa River, offering abundant outdoor recreational opportunities.
Recent major investments, such as Minth Group Limited's $430 million project, are creating over 1,300 new jobs in the automotive manufacturing sector.
Healthcare costs in Gadsden are approximately 23.4% to 24% lower than the national average.
Drawbacks
Gadsden's population is projected to decline by -0.44% annually in 2026.
The city has a higher crime rate, with overall crime 49% above the national average and violent crime 62% higher.
Gadsden is a car-dependent city with a low walkability score of 25 and limited public transit options.
The median household income of $40,345 in 2024 is considerably lower than the national average.
Utilities, particularly energy bills, are reported to be higher than the national average.
Enterprise
Advantages
The cost of living in Enterprise is 5% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Enterprise's housing market is strong, with an A+ rating for housing affordability and robust appreciation rates.
The Enterprise-Ozark Micropolitan area was ranked as the strongest economy in Alabama and 28th strongest nationally.
Medical Center Enterprise received an 'A' Hospital Safety Grade in Spring 2026, indicating high-quality healthcare services.
The average commute time of 20.1 minutes is shorter than the national average, improving daily convenience for residents.
Drawbacks
Enterprise's total crime rate is 42% higher than the national average, with violent crimes being 74% higher.
The city has limited public transportation options, leading to high car dependency for residents.
Some residents feel the city is having difficulty keeping up with the demand for new public schools and retail outlets despite its growth.
The safety score for Enterprise is relatively low at 19/100.
Amenities are rated poorly in Enterprise, potentially requiring residents to travel for certain services or entertainment.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Gadsden
#95Alabama, USA
59.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$839
Avg Salary
$55,742
Cost Index
85
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
25.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.50%
Livability
59
Business
60
Enterprise
#64Alabama, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,375
Avg Salary
$34,809
Cost Index
95
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.57%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
65
Business
75
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Gadsden and Enterprise.
Open Cost Calculator