Cost of Living: Athens, GA vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Athens

Georgia
83
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Athens is 65% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,162/mo ↓ 58%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 136%
$51,655/yr ↓ 59%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 145%
$271,800 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 283%
$1,163/mo ↓ 56%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 126%
126,987
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

27.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Athens, GA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,580/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $18,960/year.

Median household income is $74,814/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Athens is $271,800 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Athens vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Athens or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Athens and Cambridge?
Median rent in Athens is $1,162/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,580/month.
Which city has higher income, Athens or Cambridge?
Median household income is $51,655 in Athens and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $74,814/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Massachusetts?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Athens or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Athens has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,162/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Athens details → View Cambridge details →

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