Home / Compare / Opelika vs Pell City

Opelika, AL vs Pell City, AL

77
Opelika
Alabama
VS
-9.6%
85
Pell City
Alabama

Opelika is moderately more affordable than Pell City, with a 9.6% lower cost of living index. Opelika scores 77 compared to 85 for Pell City, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Pell City can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Opelika is $947/month compared to $1,103/month in Pell City — a 14% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Opelika is more affordable at $213,700 median vs $238,100.

Median household income in Opelika is $58,763 compared to $73,043 in Pell City (-19.6%). While Pell City is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Opelika spend roughly 19.3% of their income on rent, more than the 18.1% in Pell City.

Climate-wise, Opelika is notably warmer with an average of 66.6°F compared to 62.3°F in Pell City. Pell City receives more rainfall at 52.2" per year compared to 48.8" in Opelika.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Opelika
77
10% cheaper
Pell City
85
Median Household Income
Opelika
$58,763
Pell City
$73,043
20% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Opelika
$947
14% cheaper
Pell City
$1,103
Median Home Value
Opelika
$213,700
10% cheaper
Pell City
$238,100
Population
Opelika
31,944
Pell City
13,353

Salary Equivalency Calculator

What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?

$
Formula:

Rent by Bedroom Size

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

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

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Opelika 66.6°F
Pell City 62.3°F
Summer High
Opelika 93°F
Pell City 90°F
Winter Low
Opelika 38°F
Pell City 33°F
Rainfall
Opelika 48.8"
Pell City 52.2"
Rainy Days
Opelika 109d
Pell City 116d