Performance
Score Breakdown
Gadsden
Opelika
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Gadsden is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
17% lower compared to Opelika.
Housing costs are a major driver: Gadsden's average rent is
61% lower than Opelika's.
| Metric | Gadsden | Opelika | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $700 | $1,800 | -61% |
| Groceries | $450 | $400 | +13% |
| Utilities | $283 | $0 | 0% |
| Transport | $150 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $1,833 | $2,200 | -17% |
| Cost Index | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Opelika offers 17% lower average salaries.
The minimum comfortable salary in Gadsden is estimated at
$50,000 vs $49,392 in Opelika.
| Metric | Gadsden | Opelika |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $44,346 | $53,490 |
| Salary Needed | $50,000 | $49,392 |
| Household Income | $40,345 | $65,004 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Gadsden | Opelika |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Gadsden scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Gadsden leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Gadsden | Opelika |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 25.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | ||
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Opelika is the larger city
.
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 | Gadsden | Opelika |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 33,374 | 33,944 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 1.70% |
| Median Age | 38.6 | 39.9 |
| Unemployment | 3.00% | 2.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Gadsden
Advantages
Median home sale price of $165,000 (May 2026) is significantly lower than the national average, making homeownership more accessible.
Overall cost of living is 15% lower than the national average.
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is around $700 per month (June 2026), offering affordable rental options.
Home to two hospitals, Gadsden Regional Medical Center and Riverview Regional Medical Center, offering top-rated programs and quality care.
Features a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons, providing varied weather experiences throughout the year.
Drawbacks
The overall crime rate is 49% higher than the national average, with violent crimes being 62% higher.
The city is considered car-dependent, with a Walk Score of 25, meaning most errands require a car.
Median household income of $40,345 (2024) is lower than the national average.
Population has experienced a negative growth rate of -1.2% annually between 2019 and 2024.
Utility costs, particularly electricity, are higher than the national average.
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.
Gadsden
#40Alabama, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$700
Avg Salary
$44,346
Cost Index
85
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
25.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.00%
Livability
67
Business
58
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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