Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Daphne and Florence, Alabama. Using Alabama's 0.41% property tax rate and $1,950/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Florence is significantly more affordable than Daphne, with homes priced 34% lower on average. That translates to $640/month in savings on your total housing payment. For budget-conscious buyers in Alabama, Florence offers a much more accessible path to homeownership.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI. Uses Alabama's 0.41% property tax rate.
Buying in Florence saves you approximately $640/month ($7,680/year) compared to Daphne, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Florence is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $195K versus $295K in Daphne. That's $100K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $7K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Florence, compared to $10K in Daphne. Alabama offers the Alabama Housing Finance Authority Step Up program (Up to $10,000 DPA) which applies in both cities.
Florence has the better price-to-rent ratio at 16.6x versus 19.2x in Daphne. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Florence is $980/month on a $195K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
Florence (pop. 40,184) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Daphne (pop. 28,951) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Florence offers both more options and lower housing costs, making it attractive for families who want urban amenities without a premium price.