Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Athens, GA (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Arlington is 14% more expensive than Athens.

$1,389/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 16%
$73,519/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 30%
$276,400 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 2%
$1,420/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 18%
394,769
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $227/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $2,724/year.

Median household income is $21,864/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Athens — common questions

Is Arlington or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Athens?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $227/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Athens?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $21,864/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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.
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