Performance
Score Breakdown
Opelika
Enterprise
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Enterprise is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
12% higher compared to Opelika.
Housing costs are a major driver: Opelika's average rent is
31% higher than Enterprise's.
| Metric | Opelika | Enterprise | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $1,375 | +31% |
| Groceries | $450 | $400 | +13% |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 | -10% |
| Transport | $300 | $375 | -20% |
| Healthcare | $200 | $256 | -22% |
| Monthly Total | $2,930 | $2,606 | +12% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Opelika offers 35% 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 $24,300 in Enterprise.
| Metric | Opelika | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $47,102 | $34,809 |
| Salary Needed | $72,000 | $24,300 |
| Purchasing Power | 51,198 idx | 36,641 idx |
| Household Income | $65,004 | $73,125 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Opelika | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Opelika scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
| Metric | Opelika | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 20 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 Enterprise.
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 | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 33,944 | 31,231 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.70% | 0.57% |
| Median Age | 39.9 | 36.5 |
| Unemployment | 2.30% | 3.20% |
| 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.
Enterprise
Advantages
The cost of living in Enterprise is 5% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Enterprise's housing market is strong, with an A+ rating for housing affordability and robust appreciation rates.
The Enterprise-Ozark Micropolitan area was ranked as the strongest economy in Alabama and 28th strongest nationally.
Medical Center Enterprise received an 'A' Hospital Safety Grade in Spring 2026, indicating high-quality healthcare services.
The average commute time of 20.1 minutes is shorter than the national average, improving daily convenience for residents.
Drawbacks
Enterprise's total crime rate is 42% higher than the national average, with violent crimes being 74% higher.
The city has limited public transportation options, leading to high car dependency for residents.
Some residents feel the city is having difficulty keeping up with the demand for new public schools and retail outlets despite its growth.
The safety score for Enterprise is relatively low at 19/100.
Amenities are rated poorly in Enterprise, potentially requiring residents to travel for certain services or entertainment.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Opelika
#65Alabama, 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
Enterprise
#65Alabama, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,375
Avg Salary
$34,809
Cost Index
95
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.57%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
65
Business
75
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