Performance
Score Breakdown
Montgomery
Alabaster
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Alabaster is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
0% higher compared to Montgomery.
| Metric | Montgomery | Alabaster | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,485 | $0 | 0% |
| Groceries | $365 | $0 | 0% |
| Utilities | $215 | $0 | 0% |
| Transport | $150 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,465 | $0 | 0% |
| Cost Index | 89 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Montgomery offers similar average salaries.
| Metric | Montgomery | Alabaster |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $35,571 | $0 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $0 |
| Household Income | $56,811 | $91,357 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Montgomery | Alabaster |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 80.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Montgomery has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 hours) per year compared to Alabaster.
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 | Alabaster |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 31 min |
| Transit Score | 22.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 26.0/10 | 10.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | ||
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Montgomery is the larger city
— approximately 5.6x the population of Alabaster.
From a growth perspective, Alabaster is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Alabaster has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Montgomery | Alabaster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,494 | 35,014 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 0.77% |
| Median Age | 36.6 | 39.6 |
| Unemployment | 3.00% | 2.50% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Montgomery
Advantages
The cost of living in Montgomery is 11% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Montgomery ranked #1 in Alabama for Capital Investment in New Projects in 2024, indicating a strong business environment.
The median home sale price of $205,000 (May 2026) is significantly lower than the national average, offering accessible homeownership.
The city offers diverse public transportation options, including fixed-route buses and on-demand micro-transit services.
Major hospitals like Baptist Medical Center East and South have received awards for specialized care, indicating quality healthcare services.
Drawbacks
Montgomery's crime rates are 47% higher than the Alabama average, posing a concern for residents.
The city has a low Walk Score of 26 and a Transit Score of 22, indicating high car dependency for most errands.
The median household income of $56,811 (2024) is lower than the national average.
Utilities in Montgomery are about 10% pricier than the U.S. average.
The city's population experienced a slight decline of -0.5% year-over-year in 2024.
Alabaster
Advantages
Alabaster boasts exceptionally low violent crime rates, significantly below the national average, contributing to a strong sense of safety.
The overall cost of living in Alabaster is lower than the national average.
The median household income in Alabaster ($91,357 in 2024) is higher than both the state and national averages.
Alabaster's public schools are highly rated, making it an attractive place for families.
The city has a thriving and diverse economy with a 2.5% employment growth rate from 2023 to 2024.
Drawbacks
Alabaster has a low walkability score, meaning most errands require a car.
Public transportation is not readily available in Alabaster.
The average commute time of 30-32 minutes is longer than the national average.
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance.
Limited nightlife and dining options compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Montgomery
#90Alabama, USA
64.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,485
Avg Salary
$35,571
Cost Index
89
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
22.0/10
Walkability
26.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.00%
Livability
65
Business
75
Alabaster
#13Alabama, USA
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$0
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
Commute
31 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
10.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.77%
Unemployment
2.50%
Livability
75
Business
0
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