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

Athens

Georgia
83
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Athens is 39% cheaper than Allen.

$1,162/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 62%
$51,655/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 150%
$271,800 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 58%
$1,163/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 79%
126,987
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Athens, GA and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $715/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $8,580/year.

Median household income is $77,475/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Athens is $271,800 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Athens vs Allen — common questions

Is Athens or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Athens and Allen?
Median rent in Athens is $1,162/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $715/month.
Which city has higher income, Athens or Allen?
Median household income is $51,655 in Athens and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $77,475/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Texas?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Athens or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Athens has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,162/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Athens details → View Allen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Athens and Allen

Athens vs. Abilene Athens vs. Topeka Athens vs. Columbia Athens vs. Pearland Athens vs. Lehigh Acres Athens vs. Simi Valley Allen vs. Tuscaloosa Allen vs. New York Allen vs. Tyler Allen vs. Los Angeles Allen vs. Riverview Allen vs. Chicago