Performance
Score Breakdown
Opelika
Vestavia Hills
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Opelika is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
27% lower compared to Vestavia Hills.
Housing costs are a major driver: Opelika's average rent is
10% lower than Vestavia Hills's.
| Metric | Opelika | Vestavia Hills | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,800 | $1,995 | -10% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $0 | $180 | -100% |
| Transport | $0 | $120 | -100% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $250 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $2,200 | $2,995 | -27% |
| Cost Index | 115 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Vestavia Hills offers 20% lower average salaries.
The minimum comfortable salary in Opelika is estimated at
$49,392 vs $52,560 in Vestavia Hills.
| Metric | Opelika | Vestavia Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $53,490 | $66,812 |
| Salary Needed | $49,392 | $52,560 |
| Household Income | $65,004 | $134,369 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Opelika | Vestavia Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 72.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Vestavia Hills has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Opelika.
Vestavia Hills scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
| Metric | Opelika | Vestavia Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 22 min | 19 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Vestavia Hills is the larger city
— approximately 0.8x the population of Opelika.
From a growth perspective, Vestavia Hills is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Vestavia Hills has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Opelika | Vestavia Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 33,944 | 40,556 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.70% | 2.50% |
| Median Age | 39.9 | 41.7 |
| Unemployment | 2.30% | 1.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
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.
Vestavia Hills
Advantages
Vestavia Hills boasts a crime rate 51% below the national average as of 2026, making it a very safe community.
The city's public schools are highly rated, contributing to its reputation as an excellent place for families.
The median household income of $134,369 in 2024 is significantly higher than the national average, indicating strong economic prosperity.
Residents enjoy a high quality of life, with a livability score of 83/100, placing it in the 97th percentile of cities.
The average commute time of 19.3 minutes is shorter than the national average, enhancing daily convenience for residents.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Vestavia Hills is notably higher than the national average, particularly for housing.
Walkability in Vestavia Hills is low, with a walk score of 0/100, indicating high car dependency.
Public transportation options are limited, requiring most residents to rely on personal vehicles for commuting and daily errands.
While overall crime is low, the robbery rate in Vestavia Hills is 28% above the national average as of 2026.
The city's amenities score is rated 'F' by one source, suggesting potential limitations in certain recreational or service offerings.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Opelika
#19Alabama, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$53,490
Cost Index
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.70%
Unemployment
2.30%
Livability
74
Business
68
Vestavia Hills
#7Alabama, USA
80.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,995
Avg Salary
$66,812
Cost Index
115
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.50%
Unemployment
1.80%
Livability
83
Business
75
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