Performance
Score Breakdown
Florence
Opelika
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Florence is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
21% lower compared to Opelika.
Housing costs are a major driver: Florence's average rent is
50% lower than Opelika's.
| Metric | Florence | Opelika | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $895 | $1,800 | -50% |
| Groceries | $420 | $400 | +5% |
| Utilities | $165 | $0 | 0% |
| Transport | $105 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $1,735 | $2,200 | -21% |
| Cost Index | 83 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Opelika offers 9% lower average salaries.
The minimum comfortable salary in Florence is estimated at
$41,317 vs $49,392 in Opelika.
| Metric | Florence | Opelika |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $48,714 | $53,490 |
| Salary Needed | $41,317 | $49,392 |
| Household Income | $52,174 | $65,004 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Florence | Opelika |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Florence has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Opelika.
Florence scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Florence leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Florence | Opelika |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 32.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 50.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Florence is the larger city
— approximately 1.3x the population of Opelika.
From a growth perspective, Opelika is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Opelika has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Florence | Opelika |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 42,716 | 33,944 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 1.70% |
| Median Age | 35.1 | 39.9 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 2.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Florence
Advantages
The cost of living in Florence is significantly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Florence boasts a vibrant arts scene, cultural festivals, and numerous recreational opportunities, enhancing the quality of life.
The city has experienced positive job growth, with employment increasing by 6.33% from 2023 to 2024.
Housing is more affordable in Florence, with median property values and average rents considerably below national figures.
The average commute time of 18.7 minutes is shorter than the national average, contributing to less time spent in traffic.
Drawbacks
Florence's violent crime rate is 35.9% above the national average, posing a concern for safety.
The city is largely car-dependent, with limited public transit options and few bike lanes.
The median household income in Florence is lower than that of the state of Alabama and Lauderdale County.
While overall crime rate dropped, the violent crime rate remains a significant drawback.
The walkability score of 32 indicates that most errands require a car.
Opelika
Advantages
Opelika's unemployment rate of 2.30% in April 2026 is significantly lower than the national average, indicating a strong job market.
The median rent in Opelika is $1,800 per month as of May 2026, which is 8% below the national average, making it a more affordable place to live.
Opelika's population is projected to grow by 1.7% annually, indicating positive growth momentum.
East Alabama Medical Center, located in Opelika, is a highly-rated hospital offering comprehensive healthcare services and recognized for its quality.
The average sales price of homes in Opelika increased by 6% from 2023 to 2024, suggesting a healthy real estate market.
Drawbacks
Opelika experienced a minor decline in new housing listings in 2024 compared to the previous year, potentially limiting housing options.
Homes in Opelika spent an average of 66 days on the market in 2024, a 24.5% rise compared to 2023, indicating a slower selling process.
The humidity in Opelika can be uncomfortably high during the summer months from June to August.
The poverty rate in Opelika stands at 16.02%, slightly above national averages.
While improving, the average salary in the Auburn-Opelika metropolitan area is lower than the nationwide average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Florence
#36Alabama, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$895
Avg Salary
$48,714
Cost Index
83
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
32.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
70
Business
65
Opelika
#19Alabama, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$53,490
Cost Index
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.70%
Unemployment
2.30%
Livability
74
Business
68
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