Performance
Score Breakdown
Tuscaloosa
Opelika
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Opelika is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
3% higher compared to Tuscaloosa.
Housing costs are a major driver: Tuscaloosa's average rent is
17% lower than Opelika's.
| Metric | Tuscaloosa | Opelika | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,490 | $1,800 | -17% |
| Groceries | $340 | $400 | -15% |
| Utilities | $219 | $0 | 0% |
| Transport | $160 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $60 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,269 | $2,200 | +3% |
| Cost Index | 88 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Tuscaloosa offers similar average salaries.
The minimum comfortable salary in Tuscaloosa is estimated at
$55,000 vs $49,392 in Opelika.
| Metric | Tuscaloosa | Opelika |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $53,581 | $53,490 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $49,392 |
| Household Income | $51,464 | $65,004 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Tuscaloosa | 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 2 minutes of each other.
Tuscaloosa scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Tuscaloosa leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Tuscaloosa | Opelika |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 11.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 33.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | ||
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Tuscaloosa is the larger city
— approximately 3.4x the population of Opelika.
From a growth perspective, Tuscaloosa 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 | Tuscaloosa | Opelika |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,288 | 33,944 |
| Pop. Growth | 3.00% | 1.70% |
| Median Age | 27.2 | 39.9 |
| Unemployment | 2.90% | 2.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Tuscaloosa
Advantages
The cost of living in Tuscaloosa is 12% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Housing expenses are significantly lower, with home prices 26% cheaper than the U.S. average and a median home sale price of $300,000 as of May 2026.
The city boasts a healthy job market with a 1.64% employment growth rate between 2023 and 2024, driven by strong sectors like manufacturing, education, and healthcare.
Healthcare costs are approximately 21% lower than the national average, and local hospitals have demonstrated improved patient safety and quality.
Tuscaloosa offers a vibrant college-town atmosphere due to the University of Alabama, contributing to a lively cultural and social scene.
Drawbacks
Tuscaloosa has a higher crime rate, with overall crime being 43% above the national average and a C- safety grade in 2026.
The city is car-dependent, with a low Walk Score of 33 and a Transit Score of 11, indicating limited public transportation and walkability.
Summers are characterized by long, hot, and muggy conditions, with uncomfortably high humidity levels.
While the median household income is $51,464, the median individual income is considerably lower at $27,157, suggesting income disparities.
Utilities costs are 11% higher than the national average, which can impact monthly budgets despite overall lower living costs.
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.
Tuscaloosa
#39Alabama, USA
67.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,490
Avg Salary
$53,581
Cost Index
88
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
11.0/10
Walkability
33.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
3.00%
Unemployment
2.90%
Livability
69
Business
68
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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