Athens, TN

Very Low · 59

Tennessee · Population 14,250 · Updated March 2026

$807
Median Rent / Month
$53,151
Median Income
$197,300
Median Home Value
$834
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Athens

18.2%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Tennessee

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

0%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
7.0%
Sales Tax
0.64%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$9,684
Annual Rent
$0
State Income Tax
$1,263
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Athens is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 59 (where 100 equals the national median), Athens residents can expect to pay median rent of $807/month while earning a median household income of $53,151/year.

The median home value in Athens, TN is $197,300, with typical monthly owner costs around $834 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 18.2% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Tennessee has no state income tax, which can represent significant savings compared to high-tax states. Combined with a 7.0% sales tax rate and 0.64% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment helps keep costs manageable in Athens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Athens

What is the cost of living in Athens, TN?
The cost of living index in Athens, TN is 59 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $807, median household income is $53,151/year, and the median home value is $197,300.
Is Athens, TN affordable?
Yes, Athens is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 59. The rent-to-income ratio is 18.2%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Athens, TN?
The median gross rent in Athens, TN is $807 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $9,684.
What is the median household income in Athens?
The median household income in Athens, TN is $53,151 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Tennessee?
Tennessee has a top income tax rate of 0%, a sales tax of 7.0%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.64%. Notably, there is no state income tax.