Performance
Score Breakdown
Mobile
Opelika
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Mobile is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
20% lower compared to Opelika.
Housing costs are a major driver: Mobile's average rent is
37% lower than Opelika's.
| Metric | Mobile | Opelika | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,132 | $1,800 | -37% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $398 | $180 | +121% |
| Transport | $120 | $300 | -60% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $200 | +25% |
| Monthly Total | $2,350 | $2,930 | -20% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 92 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Mobile offers 44% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Mobile delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Mobile is estimated at
$55,000 vs $72,000 in Opelika.
| Metric | Mobile | Opelika |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $68,000 | $47,102 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $72,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 77,273 idx | 51,198 idx |
| Household Income | $53,558 | $65,004 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Mobile | Opelika |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 74.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
For walkability, Mobile leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Mobile | Opelika |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 61.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 55.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Mobile is the larger city
— approximately 5.9x the population of Opelika.
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 | Mobile | Opelika |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 201,367 | 33,944 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 1.70% |
| Median Age | 37.3 | 39.9 |
| Unemployment | 3.30% | 2.30% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Mobile
Advantages
The cost of living in Mobile is 12% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Mobile County experienced significant job growth, adding 3,400 jobs from June 2024 to June 2025.
The average commute time of 21.9 minutes is shorter than the U.S. average, improving daily travel.
Mobile Infirmary was recognized among Southern Alabama's Best Regional Hospitals in 2024-25 by U.S. News & World Report.
The city boasts a rich cultural heritage, being the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the United States.
Drawbacks
Mobile's overall crime rate is 67% above the national average, with violent crimes 109% higher.
The city's population is currently declining at an annual rate of -0.61% as of 2026.
Utility prices in Mobile are about 5% higher than the national average.
Public transportation usage is very low, with only 0.8% of the population taking mass transit.
The poverty rate in Mobile was 18.4% in 2024, 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.
Mobile
#53Alabama, USA
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,132
Avg Salary
$68,000
Cost Index
88
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
61.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.30%
Livability
73
Business
70
Opelika
#68Alabama, 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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