Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia, GA

Below Avg · 83

Georgia · Population 126,987 · Updated March 2026

$1,162
Median Rent / Month
$51,655
Median Income
$271,800
Median Home Value
$1,163
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia

27.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Moderate
Rent takes 25-35% of median income — moderate affordability.

Tax Burden in Georgia

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

5.49%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
4.0%
Sales Tax
0.92%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$13,944
Annual Rent
$2,836
State Income Tax
$2,501
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 83 (where 100 equals the national median), Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,162/month while earning a median household income of $51,655/year.

The median home value in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia, GA is $271,800, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,163 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 27.0%, Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.

Georgia has a moderate income tax rate of 5.49%. Combined with a 4.0% sales tax rate and 0.92% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia

What is the cost of living in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia, GA?
The cost of living index in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia, GA is 83 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,162, median household income is $51,655/year, and the median home value is $271,800.
Is Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia, GA affordable?
Yes, Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 83. The rent-to-income ratio is 27.0%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia, GA?
The median gross rent in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia, GA is $1,162 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $13,944.
What is the median household income in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia?
The median household income in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia, GA is $51,655 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Georgia?
Georgia has a top income tax rate of 5.49%, a sales tax of 4.0%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.92%.

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