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

Athens

Georgia
83
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Athens is 9% cheaper than College Station.

$1,162/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ≈ Same
$51,655/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$51,776/yr ≈ Same
$271,800 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 20%
$1,163/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 8%
126,987
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Athens, GA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $121/year higher in College Station. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Athens is $271,800 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Athens vs College Station — common questions

Is Athens or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Athens and College Station?
Median rent in Athens is $1,162/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $6/month.
Which city has higher income, Athens or College Station?
Median household income is $51,655 in Athens and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $121/year higher in College Station.
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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Athens has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,162/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Athens details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Athens and College Station

Athens vs. Abilene Athens vs. Topeka Athens vs. Columbia Athens vs. Pearland Athens vs. Lehigh Acres Athens vs. Simi Valley College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette