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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

๐Ÿ“ Opelika, AL โ€” ZIP-level rent data ยท COL adjusted from Columbus, GA area

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.1K/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $163.5K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates ยท COL index from area
Overall Cost
โ†‘ 15.0%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,127
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$13.5K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Opelika, AL

Population:34K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$287K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K
Cost Index:115
Median Home:$512K

Opelika, AL

The Heart of Dixie

34K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Alabama, this city has a population of 34K residents.

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • โ€ขResearch Triangle
  • โ€ขState capital
  • โ€ขMajor university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Opelika, AL vs Raleigh, NC

๐Ÿ Housing
โ†‘ 47.2%
Opelika, AL
$1,678
Raleigh, NC
$2,469
Difference
$791
more
๐Ÿ“ฆOther
โ†‘ 11.9%
Opelika, AL
$1,525
Raleigh, NC
$1,707
Difference
$182
more
๐Ÿš—Transportation
โ†“ 8.5%
Opelika, AL
$1,403
Raleigh, NC
$1,284
Difference
$119
less
๐ŸฅHealthcare
โ†‘ 18.7%
Opelika, AL
$506
Raleigh, NC
$601
Difference
$94.70
more
โšกAll Utilities
โ†“ 5.1%
Opelika, AL
$576
Raleigh, NC
$546
Difference
$29.20
less
๐Ÿ›’Groceries
โ†‘ 1.6%
Opelika, AL
$944
Raleigh, NC
$959
Difference
$14.85
more

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Local Income Taxes

Opelika, AL: Opelika Occupational Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)

Raleigh, NC has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

๐Ÿ Rent Comparison

Studio
From$651
To$1,570
โ†‘ $919
1 Bed
From$824
To$1,640
โ†‘ $816
2 Bed
From$906
To$1,800
โ†‘ $894
3 Bed
From$1,145
To$2,255
โ†‘ $1,110
Opelika, ALZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,000โ€“$1,000/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400โ€“$1,880/mo

๐Ÿ’ก Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,633
Monthly in Opelika, AL
$7,567
Monthly in Raleigh, NC
$934
Difference

Home Values

Opelika
Raleigh
$287K
Median Value
$512K
โ†‘ +3.3%
YoY Change
โ†“ -0.5%
โ†‘ +34.4%
5-Year Change
โ†‘ +38.2%
$287K
Price Range
$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 78% more expensive than Opelika

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
โ†‘ $335
Per year
Monthly Difference
$27.92
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.2%
Rate difference

Opelika, AL

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Alabama State Tax
Effective: 5.0%
$7.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.6%
$44.5K
Take-Home Pay
$8,794/month
$105.5K

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
North Carolina State Tax
Effective: 4.8%
$7.1K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.4%
$44.1K
Take-Home Pay
$8,822/month
$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Opelika, AL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.1%
Property Tax:0.4%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
Property Tax:0.8%

๐Ÿ’ก Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Opelika
Raleigh
49 Good
Air Quality
46 Good
52.7%
Good Air Days
61.7%
82 Moderate
Climate Risk
96 High
None
Top Hazards
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒก๐ŸŒช
โ–ฒ+2.8ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.8ยฐF
64 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
31 days
โ–ฒ+2.8ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.8ยฐF
64 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
31 days

๐Ÿ’ฐ See how taxes change too โ€” compare take-home pay between Alabama and North Carolina on TaxTakeHome.com

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