Performance
Score Breakdown
Hoover
Northport
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Northport is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
19% higher compared to Hoover.
Housing costs are a major driver: Hoover's average rent is
29% higher than Northport's.
| Metric | Hoover | Northport | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,175 | $1,684 | +29% |
| Groceries | $590 | $450 | +31% |
| Utilities | $185 | $250 | -26% |
| Transport | $120 | $150 | -20% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $3,320 | $2,784 | +19% |
| Cost Index | 85 | 87 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Hoover offers 54% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Hoover delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Hoover is estimated at
$55,000 vs $45,000 in Northport.
| Metric | Hoover | Northport |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,617 | $44,414 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 80,726 idx | 51,051 idx |
| Household Income | $109,253 | $80,913 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Hoover | 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 0 minutes of each other.
Hoover scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Northport leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Hoover | Northport |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 15.0/10 | 27.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Hoover is the larger city
— approximately 3x the population of Northport.
From a growth perspective, Hoover 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 | Hoover | Northport |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 93,700 | 31,714 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.62% | 0.21% |
| Median Age | 38.4 | 36.8 |
| Unemployment | 2.90% | 2.10% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Hoover
Advantages
Hoover boasts a significantly lower unemployment rate (2.9% in 2023) compared to the national average, indicating a strong job market.
The median household income in Hoover ($109,253 in 2024) is substantially higher than both the state and national averages.
Hoover's cost of living is estimated to be 15% less expensive than the national average as of June 2026, offering good affordability.
The city is known for its top-rated public school system, ranking among the highest in Alabama.
Hoover offers extensive outdoor recreational opportunities, including 25 public parks and access to the Cahaba River.
Drawbacks
Hoover is a car-dependent city, with limited public transportation options and a low walkability score.
While generally affordable, housing costs in Hoover are higher than the average for other cities within Alabama.
Specific monthly utility costs are not consistently reported and can be slightly above those in smaller Alabama towns.
The average monthly grocery cost in Hoover is higher than the national average.
Healthcare costs in Hoover are reported to be higher than the national average.
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.
Hoover
#5Alabama, USA
78.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,175
Avg Salary
$68,617
Cost Index
85
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
15.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.62%
Unemployment
2.90%
Livability
80
Business
75
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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