Performance
Score Breakdown
Opelika
Phenix City
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Opelika is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
17% lower compared to Phenix City.
Housing costs are a major driver: Opelika's average rent is
157% higher than Phenix City's.
| Metric | Opelika | Phenix City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $700 | +157% |
| Groceries | $400 | $300 | +33% |
| Utilities | $0 | $150 | -100% |
| Transport | $0 | $500 | -100% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $1,000 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $2,200 | $2,650 | -17% |
| Cost Index | 84 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Opelika offers 24% higher average salaries.
The minimum comfortable salary in Opelika is estimated at
$49,392 vs $38,000 in Phenix City.
| Metric | Opelika | Phenix City |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $53,490 | $43,000 |
| Salary Needed | $49,392 | $38,000 |
| Household Income | $65,004 | $43,000 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Opelika | Phenix City |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 64.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Opelika has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Phenix City.
Phenix City scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Phenix City leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Opelika | Phenix City |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 25 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 40.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Phenix City is the larger city
— approximately 0.9x 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 | Opelika | Phenix City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 33,944 | 38,000 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.70% | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 39.9 | 34.0 |
| Unemployment | 2.30% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
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.
Phenix City
Advantages
Affordable housing options
Low cost of living
Growing economy
Rich history and culture
Outdoor recreational opportunities
Drawbacks
Higher crime rate
Limited public transportation options
Aging housing stock
Limited job opportunities in certain industries
Summer heat and humidity
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
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
Phenix City
#31Alabama, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$700
Avg Salary
$43,000
Cost Index
84
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
40.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.20%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
80
Business
65
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