Performance
Score Breakdown
Gadsden
Opelika
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Gadsden is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
23% lower compared to Opelika.
Housing costs are a major driver: Gadsden's average rent is
53% lower than Opelika's.
| Metric | Gadsden | Opelika | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $839 | $1,800 | -53% |
| Groceries | $589 | $450 | +31% |
| Utilities | $271 | $180 | +51% |
| Transport | $400 | $300 | +33% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $200 | -25% |
| Monthly Total | $2,249 | $2,930 | -23% |
| Cost Index | 85 | 92 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Gadsden offers 18% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Gadsden delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Gadsden is estimated at
$29,004 vs $72,000 in Opelika.
| Metric | Gadsden | Opelika |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $55,742 | $47,102 |
| Salary Needed | $29,004 | $72,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 65,579 idx | 51,198 idx |
| Household Income | $40,345 | $65,004 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Gadsden | Opelika |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Opelika has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Gadsden.
For walkability, Gadsden leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Gadsden | Opelika |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 26 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 25.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Opelika is the larger city
.
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 | Gadsden | Opelika |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 33,219 | 33,944 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 1.70% |
| Median Age | 38.6 | 39.9 |
| Unemployment | 3.50% | 2.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Gadsden
Advantages
The cost of living in Gadsden is 15% lower than the national average, making it a highly affordable place to reside.
Housing costs are significantly lower than the U.S. average, with median home values at $167,100 in 2024 and average 1-bedroom rent at $796 in July 2026.
Gadsden boasts natural attractions like Noccalula Falls Park and access to the Coosa River, offering abundant outdoor recreational opportunities.
Recent major investments, such as Minth Group Limited's $430 million project, are creating over 1,300 new jobs in the automotive manufacturing sector.
Healthcare costs in Gadsden are approximately 23.4% to 24% lower than the national average.
Drawbacks
Gadsden's population is projected to decline by -0.44% annually in 2026.
The city has a higher crime rate, with overall crime 49% above the national average and violent crime 62% higher.
Gadsden is a car-dependent city with a low walkability score of 25 and limited public transit options.
The median household income of $40,345 in 2024 is considerably lower than the national average.
Utilities, particularly energy bills, are reported to be higher than the national average.
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.
Gadsden
#101Alabama, USA
59.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$839
Avg Salary
$55,742
Cost Index
85
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
25.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.50%
Livability
59
Business
60
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
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