Cost of Living: Athens, GA vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Athens

Georgia
83
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Athens is 31% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,162/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 34%
$51,655/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 57%
$271,800 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 60%
$1,163/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 41%
126,987
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

27.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Athens, GA and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $390/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $4,680/year.

Median household income is $29,434/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Athens is $271,800 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Athens vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Athens or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Athens and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Athens is $1,162/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $390/month.
Which city has higher income, Athens or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $51,655 in Athens and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $29,434/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Michigan?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Athens or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Athens has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,162/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Athens details → View Ann Arbor details →

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