Performance
Score Breakdown
Madison
Opelika
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Opelika is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
45% higher compared to Madison.
| Metric | Madison | Opelika | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,760 | $1,800 | -2% |
| Groceries | $550 | $400 | +38% |
| Utilities | $245 | $0 | 0% |
| Transport | $195 | $0 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $440 | $0 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $3,190 | $2,200 | +45% |
| Cost Index | 103 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Madison offers 67% higher average salaries.
The minimum comfortable salary in Madison is estimated at
$73,000 vs $49,392 in Opelika.
| Metric | Madison | Opelika |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $89,500 | $53,490 |
| Salary Needed | $73,000 | $49,392 |
| Household Income | $89,100 | $65,004 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Madison runs warmer on average — a 62.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Madison comes out ahead with 214 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Madison sees 1.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Madison | Opelika |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 62.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 89.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 33.00°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 55.00 in | in |
| Snowfall | 1.80 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 214 | |
| Humidity | 66.00% | 65.00% |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Madison is the larger city
— approximately 1.8x the population of Opelika.
From a growth perspective, Madison 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 | Madison | Opelika |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 61,000 | 33,944 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.40% | 1.70% |
| Median Age | 35.2 | 39.9 |
| Unemployment | 2.40% | 2.30% |
| GDP | $9.8B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Madison
Advantages
High incomes and safety
Drawbacks
Housing costs rising
Opelika
Advantages
Opelika's unemployment rate of 2.30% in April 2026 is significantly lower than the national average, indicating a strong job market.
The median rent in Opelika is $1,800 per month as of May 2026, which is 8% below the national average, making it a more affordable place to live.
Opelika's population is projected to grow by 1.7% annually, indicating positive growth momentum.
East Alabama Medical Center, located in Opelika, is a highly-rated hospital offering comprehensive healthcare services and recognized for its quality.
The average sales price of homes in Opelika increased by 6% from 2023 to 2024, suggesting a healthy real estate market.
Drawbacks
Opelika experienced a minor decline in new housing listings in 2024 compared to the previous year, potentially limiting housing options.
Homes in Opelika spent an average of 66 days on the market in 2024, a 24.5% rise compared to 2023, indicating a slower selling process.
The humidity in Opelika can be uncomfortably high during the summer months from June to August.
The poverty rate in Opelika stands at 16.02%, slightly above national averages.
While improving, the average salary in the Auburn-Opelika metropolitan area is lower than the nationwide average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Madison
#1Alabama, USA
91.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,760
Avg Salary
$89,500
Cost Index
103
Sunny Days
214/yr
Avg Temp
62.90°F
Pop. Growth
2.40%
Unemployment
2.40%
Livability
92
Business
89
Opelika
#19Alabama, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$53,490
Cost Index
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.70%
Unemployment
2.30%
Livability
74
Business
68
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