Performance
Score Breakdown
Opelika
Fairbanks
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Opelika is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
0% lower compared to Fairbanks.
Housing costs are a major driver: Opelika's average rent is
23% higher than Fairbanks's.
| Metric | Opelika | Fairbanks | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $1,464 | +23% |
| Groceries | $450 | $550 | -18% |
| Utilities | $180 | $617 | -71% |
| Transport | $300 | $120 | +150% |
| Healthcare | $200 | $187 | +7% |
| Monthly Total | $2,930 | $2,938 | -0% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 123 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Fairbanks offers 17% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Opelika delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Opelika is estimated at
$72,000 vs $87,000 in Fairbanks.
| Metric | Opelika | Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $47,102 | $56,940 |
| Salary Needed | $72,000 | $87,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 51,198 idx | 46,293 idx |
| Household Income | $65,004 | $73,534 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Opelika | Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Fairbanks has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Opelika.
Opelika scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
| Metric | Opelika | Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 19 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Opelika is the larger city
— approximately 1.1x the population of Fairbanks.
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 | Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 33,944 | 31,282 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.70% | % |
| Median Age | 39.9 | 29.0 |
| Unemployment | 2.30% | 4.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
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.
Fairbanks
Advantages
Average rent in Fairbanks is 20% lower than the national average, making it more affordable for renters.
The housing market is a strong seller's market, with homes selling for 102.11% of the asking price in March 2026.
Job growth is forecasted at 0.8% for 2026, with significant growth in healthcare and transportation sectors.
Fairbanks offers unparalleled access to outdoor activities and a strong sense of community.
The median age of 29 years indicates a relatively young and dynamic population.
Drawbacks
The overall cost of living in Fairbanks is 23% higher than the national average.
Utility prices are significantly higher, approximately 112% above the national average.
Grocery prices are 23% higher than the national average.
The city's population is projected to decline by -0.59% annually.
Government jobs are forecasted to decline, impacting a significant employment sector.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Opelika
#16Alabama, 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
Fairbanks
#16Alaska, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,464
Avg Salary
$56,940
Cost Index
123
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
72
Business
65
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