Performance
Score Breakdown
Opelika
Northport
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Northport is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
5% higher compared to Opelika.
| Metric | Opelika | Northport | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $1,684 | +7% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $250 | -28% |
| Transport | $300 | $150 | +100% |
| Healthcare | $200 | $250 | -20% |
| Monthly Total | $2,930 | $2,784 | +5% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 87 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Opelika offers 6% higher 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 $45,000 in Northport.
| Metric | Opelika | Northport |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $47,102 | $44,414 |
| Salary Needed | $72,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 51,198 idx | 51,051 idx |
| Household Income | $65,004 | $80,913 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Opelika | Northport |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 67.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Opelika scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Northport leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Opelika | Northport |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 27.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Opelika is the larger city
— approximately 1.1x the population of Northport.
From a growth perspective, Opelika is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Northport has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Opelika | Northport |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 33,944 | 31,714 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.70% | 0.21% |
| Median Age | 39.9 | 36.8 |
| Unemployment | 2.30% | 2.10% |
| 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.
Northport
Advantages
The cost of living in Northport is 13% less than the national average, making it a highly affordable place to reside.
Northport ranks in the 68th percentile for safety, indicating it is safer than a majority of U.S. cities.
The city boasts a strong sense of community and a welcoming, small-town atmosphere.
Residents have access to numerous parks and outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, and fishing.
The historic downtown district offers a vibrant arts scene, unique shops, and diverse dining experiences.
Drawbacks
Northport exhibits high car dependency, with limited public transportation options.
The city experienced a slight decline in overall employment at a rate of -0.243% from 2023 to 2024.
While generally safe, Northport's crime rate is higher than average when compared to other communities of similar population sizes.
Specific data for certain cost breakdowns, like monthly transit passes and home purchase price per square foot, are not readily available for recent years.
The walkability score of 27 indicates that most daily errands require a car.
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
Northport
#9Alabama, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,684
Avg Salary
$44,414
Cost Index
87
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
27.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.21%
Unemployment
2.10%
Livability
76
Business
60
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Opelika and Northport.
Open Cost Calculator