McCalla, AL vs Opelika, AL
The cost of living difference between McCalla, AL and Opelika, AL is dramatic. Opelika is 41.2% cheaper than McCalla, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. McCalla has a cost index of 109 while Opelika sits at 77, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.
On the housing front, median rent in McCalla is $1,838/month compared to $947/month in Opelika — a 94% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Opelika is more affordable at $213,700 median vs $252,800.
Median household income in McCalla is $83,782 compared to $58,763 in Opelika (+42.6%). While McCalla is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of McCalla spend roughly 26.3% of their income on rent, more than the 19.3% in Opelika.
Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (64.4°F vs 66.6°F). McCalla receives more rainfall at 56.2" per year compared to 48.8" in Opelika.
Income & Cost
Housing
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Rent by Bedroom Size
HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average
Everyday Prices
BLS Average Prices by metro area
Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)