Performance
Score Breakdown
Mobile
Phenix City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Phenix City is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
2% higher compared to Mobile.
| Metric | Mobile | Phenix City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,132 | $1,174 | -4% |
| Groceries | $450 | $350 | +29% |
| Utilities | $398 | $180 | +121% |
| Transport | $120 | $360 | -67% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,350 | $2,314 | +2% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 90 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Mobile offers 42% 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
$55,000 vs $50,000 in Phenix City.
| Metric | Mobile | Phenix City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $48,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $50,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 77,273 idx | 53,333 idx |
| Household Income | $53,558 | $50,053 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Mobile | Phenix City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 74.00% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Phenix City 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 | Phenix City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 61.0/10 | 24.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 55.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Mobile is the larger city
— approximately 5.3x the population of Phenix City.
From a growth perspective, Phenix City is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Phenix City has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Mobile | Phenix City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 201,367 | 38,282 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 1.00% |
| Median Age | 37.3 | 35.6 |
| Unemployment | 3.30% | 2.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Mobile
Advantages
The cost of living in Mobile is 12% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Mobile County experienced significant job growth, adding 3,400 jobs from June 2024 to June 2025.
The average commute time of 21.9 minutes is shorter than the U.S. average, improving daily travel.
Mobile Infirmary was recognized among Southern Alabama's Best Regional Hospitals in 2024-25 by U.S. News & World Report.
The city boasts a rich cultural heritage, being the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the United States.
Drawbacks
Mobile's overall crime rate is 67% above the national average, with violent crimes 109% higher.
The city's population is currently declining at an annual rate of -0.61% as of 2026.
Utility prices in Mobile are about 5% higher than the national average.
Public transportation usage is very low, with only 0.8% of the population taking mass transit.
The poverty rate in Mobile was 18.4% in 2024, higher than the national average.
Phenix City
Advantages
The cost of living in Phenix City is significantly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Housing costs are notably lower, with a median home sale price of $227,000 in May 2026, and average rent around $1,174 per month.
The city offers free fixed-route bus services through Phenix City Express, providing accessible public transportation within city limits and to Columbus, GA.
New manufacturing investments, such as Sierra Pacific Industries, are creating hundreds of jobs and contributing to economic growth.
Phenix City provides access to a larger metropolitan area (Columbus, GA) for expanded job opportunities, healthcare, and entertainment.
Drawbacks
Phenix City has a high crime rate, with a total crime rate 100% higher than the national average, impacting overall safety.
The city's walkability score is low (24/100), indicating a high reliance on personal vehicles for daily activities.
Employment experienced a decline of -3.15% from 2023 to 2024, suggesting a challenging job market despite new investments.
The poverty rate in Phenix City is high at 24.5% as of 2024.
Traffic congestion in the Columbus-Phenix City area leads to an average of 26 hours of delay per auto commuter annually.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Mobile
#49Alabama, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,132
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
88
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
61.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.30%
Livability
73
Business
70
Phenix City
#91Alabama, USA
62.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,174
Avg Salary
$48,000
Cost Index
90
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
24.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.00%
Unemployment
2.80%
Livability
65
Business
58
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