Performance
Score Breakdown
Auburn
Opelika
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Auburn is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
1% lower compared to Opelika.
Housing costs are a major driver: Auburn's average rent is
13% higher than Opelika's.
| Metric | Auburn | Opelika | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,032 | $1,800 | +13% |
| Groceries | $350 | $450 | -22% |
| Utilities | $229 | $180 | +27% |
| Transport | $120 | $300 | -60% |
| Healthcare | $160 | $200 | -20% |
| Monthly Total | $2,891 | $2,930 | -1% |
| Cost Index | 96 | 92 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Auburn offers 8% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Auburn delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Auburn is estimated at
$55,000 vs $72,000 in Opelika.
| Metric | Auburn | Opelika |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $51,096 | $47,102 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $72,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 53,225 idx | 51,198 idx |
| Household Income | $63,668 | $65,004 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Auburn | Opelika |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Auburn scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Auburn leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Auburn | Opelika |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 25.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 28.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Auburn is the larger city
— approximately 2.6x the population of Opelika.
From a growth perspective, Auburn 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 | Auburn | Opelika |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 88,918 | 33,944 |
| Pop. Growth | 5.20% | 1.70% |
| Median Age | 25.9 | 39.9 |
| Unemployment | 2.50% | 2.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Auburn
Advantages
Auburn consistently ranks among the top places to live in the U.S., recognized for its high quality of life and welcoming community.
The city boasts a nationally ranked public school system, making it attractive for families. [cite: 13, 15 in previous search, 39]
Auburn's economy is strong and growing, ranking among the top 10 Best-Performing Small Cities in 2026.
The cost of living in Auburn is 4% lower than the national average, with housing expenses being particularly affordable.
Crime rates saw an overall decrease in 2024, with significant drops in violent, property, and non-violent crimes.
Drawbacks
Despite overall affordability, utility costs in Auburn are 6% higher than the national average, largely due to high energy consumption for cooling.
Auburn is primarily a car-dependent city with limited public transit options, reflected in its average Walk Score of 28.
While violent crime is low, NeighborhoodScout indicates that Auburn's property crime rate is above average compared to all communities in America. [cite: 26 in previous search]
The median age of 25.9 years, while vibrant, might indicate a younger demographic that may not appeal to all residents.
The state of Alabama's health system was ranked 42nd nationally in 2025, suggesting broader systemic challenges despite local hospital quality. [cite: 45 in previous search]
Opelika
Advantages
The overall cost of living in Opelika is 8% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Housing costs are significantly lower than the national average, with the median home price at $330,000 as of May 2026.
The average commute time is 22.1 minutes, which is shorter than the national average, contributing to a more relaxed daily life.
East Alabama Medical Center provides comprehensive and award-winning healthcare services, ensuring good access to quality medical care.
Opelika has a low unemployment rate of 2.3% as of April 2026, indicating a strong job market.
Drawbacks
Opelika is a car-dependent city with a walkability score of 0, meaning most errands require a vehicle.
Public transportation options are limited, primarily consisting of on-demand services, which may not suit all residents.
Some sources indicate elevated crime rates, particularly property crime, which can be a concern for residents.
Utility costs can be slightly higher than the national average, impacting monthly budgets.
Despite a growing population, the employed population saw a slight decline in 2024, suggesting potential challenges in job growth in some sectors.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Auburn
#21Alabama, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,032
Avg Salary
$51,096
Cost Index
96
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
25.0/10
Walkability
28.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
5.20%
Unemployment
2.50%
Livability
74
Business
70
Opelika
#64Alabama, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$47,102
Cost Index
92
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.70%
Unemployment
2.30%
Livability
65
Business
65
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