Cost of Living: Athens, GA vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Athens

Georgia
83
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Athens is 21% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,162/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 32%
$51,655/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 25%
$271,800 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 20%
$1,163/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 21%
126,987
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

27.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Athens, GA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $377/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $4,524/year.

Median household income is $12,785/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Athens is $271,800 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Athens vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Athens or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Athens and Clearwater?
Median rent in Athens is $1,162/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $377/month.
Which city has higher income, Athens or Clearwater?
Median household income is $51,655 in Athens and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $12,785/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Florida?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Athens or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Athens has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,162/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Athens details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Athens and Clearwater

Athens vs. Abilene Athens vs. Topeka Athens vs. Columbia Athens vs. Pearland Athens vs. Lehigh Acres Athens vs. Simi Valley Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville