Performance
Score Breakdown
Mobile
Northport
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Mobile is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
16% lower compared to Northport.
Housing costs are a major driver: Mobile's average rent is
33% lower than Northport's.
| Metric | Mobile | Northport | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,132 | $1,684 | -33% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $398 | $250 | +59% |
| Transport | $120 | $150 | -20% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,350 | $2,784 | -16% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 87 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Mobile offers 53% 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 $45,000 in Northport.
| Metric | Mobile | Northport |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $44,414 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 77,273 idx | 51,051 idx |
| Household Income | $53,558 | $80,913 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Mobile | Northport |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 74.00% | 67.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Mobile 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 | Northport |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 61.0/10 | 27.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 55.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Mobile is the larger city
— approximately 6.3x the population of Northport.
From a growth perspective, Northport 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 | Mobile | Northport |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 201,367 | 31,714 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 0.21% |
| Median Age | 37.3 | 36.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.30% | 2.10% |
| 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.
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.
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
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
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Mobile and Northport.
Open Cost Calculator