Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia, GA (2026)

Abilene

Texas

Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia

Georgia

Abilene is 12% cheaper than Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia.

$1,106/mo ↓ 5%

Median Rent

$1,162/mo ↑ 5%

$62,720/yr ↑ 21%

Median Income

$51,655/yr ↓ 18%

$178,900 ↓ 34%

Home Value

$271,800 ↑ 52%

$1,114/mo ↓ 4%

Owner Costs

$1,163/mo ↑ 4%

127,130

Population

126,987

Tax Comparison

Income Tax

5.49%

6.25%

Sales Tax

4.0%

1.6%

Property Tax

0.92%

Affordability

21.2%

rent-to-income

Affordability

27.0%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $56/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $672/year.

Median household income is $11,065/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $271,800 in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia — common questions

Is Abilene or Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 83 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Abilene and Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia?

Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia it's $1,162/month — a difference of $56/month.

Which city has higher income, Abilene or Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia?

Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $51,655 in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia. Median household income is $11,065/year higher in Abilene.

How do taxes compare between Texas and Georgia?

Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.

Should I move to Abilene or Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia?

It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.