Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Athens, GA (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Alexandria is 90% more expensive than Athens.

$2,031/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 43%
$113,638/yr ↑ 120%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 55%
$696,800 ↑ 156%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 61%
$2,173/mo ↑ 87%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 46%
156,788
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.3%
Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $869/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $10,428/year.

Median household income is $61,983/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Athens — common questions

Is Alexandria or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Athens?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $869/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Athens?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $61,983/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Georgia?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Alexandria details → View Athens details →