salaryRent is lower than in 63% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs about 3.4 years of household income.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $55,960 a year. That is $27 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Alabama cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of Alabama. It is number 85 of 120 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in Opelika?
Share of households by yearly income. 21.2% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Opelika
| Size | Opelika | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $795 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $749 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $986 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,177 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,190 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Opelika overall?
Everyday prices in the Auburn-Opelika metro area are 12% below the U.S. average (index 87.9, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Opelika
Life in Opelika
What jobs pay in Opelika
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $133,180 | 12.6% |
| Software Developer | $120,310 | 14.0% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $108,500 | 15.5% |
| Operations Manager | $103,380 | 16.2% |
| Lawyer | $100,560 | 16.7% |
| Civil Engineer | $99,590 | 16.9% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $94,900 | 17.7% |
| Registered Nurse | $78,040 | 21.5% |
| Accountant | $72,570 | 23.1% |
| Dental Hygienist | $60,490 | 27.8% |
| Police Officer | $60,230 | 27.9% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $59,970 | 28.0% |
| Market Research Analyst | $59,650 | 28.1% |
| Electrician | $53,860 | 31.2% |
| Plumber | $51,570 | 32.6% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $50,630 | 33.2% |
| Truck Driver | $49,210 | 34.1% |
| HVAC Technician | $48,170 | 34.9% |
| Carpenter | $47,610 | 35.3% |
| Firefighter | $44,400 | 37.8% |
| Customer Service Representative | $35,810 | 46.9% |
| Nursing Assistant | $35,530 | 47.3% |
| Medical Assistant | $35,450 | 47.4% |
| Warehouse Worker | $33,090 | 50.7% |
| Restaurant Cook | $30,580 | 54.9% |
| Retail Salesperson | $29,140 | 57.6% |
| Cashier | $27,940 | 60.1% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $26,470 | 63.4% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Opelika?
Renting is cheaper right now: about $279 a month less.
Owning assumes a typical $241,800 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $24,180 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Opelika, AL?
Renting in Opelika costs a median of about $1,399 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Alabama median is $1,175.
How much do I need to make to live in Opelika?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $55,960 a year, or $27 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Opelika cheap or expensive?
Opelika is rated OK: rent takes 23.9% of the typical household income of $70,107. It ranks 85th cheapest of 120 Alabama cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Opelika?
The median homeowner in Opelika pays $1,183 a year in property taxes, about 0.49% of the median home value.
Is Opelika more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 12% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Opelika?
The median home value in Opelika is $241,800, about 3.4 times the typical yearly household income.
32,820 people live in Opelika. Numbers are typical (middle) values.