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McCalla, AL vs Opelika, AL

109
McCalla
Alabama
VS
+41.2%
77
Opelika
Alabama

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

Cost of Living Index
McCalla
109
Opelika
77
29% cheaper
Median Household Income
McCalla
$83,782
30% higher
Opelika
$58,763

Housing

Median Rent
McCalla
$1,838
Opelika
$947
48% cheaper
Median Home Value
McCalla
$252,800
Opelika
$213,700
15% cheaper
Population
McCalla
13,939
Opelika
31,944

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average

Studio
McCalla $971
Opelika $690
29% cheaper
1 Bed
McCalla $1,088
Opelika $750
31% cheaper
2 Bed
McCalla $1,208
Opelika $900
25% cheaper
3 Bed
McCalla $1,517
Opelika $1,130
26% cheaper
4 Bed
McCalla $1,720
Opelika $1,430
17% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
McCalla $2.90
Opelika $2.90
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
McCalla $2.37
Opelika $2.37
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
McCalla $3.81
Opelika $3.81
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
McCalla $1.75
Opelika $1.75
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
McCalla $3.92
Opelika $3.92
US $4.14
Electricity
McCalla $0.17
Opelika $0.17
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
McCalla 64.4°F
Opelika 66.6°F
Summer High
McCalla 91°F
Opelika 93°F
Winter Low
McCalla 36°F
Opelika 38°F
Rainfall
McCalla 56.2"
Opelika 48.8"
Rainy Days
McCalla 126d
Opelika 109d