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

Athens

Georgia
83
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Athens and Odessa have a similar cost of living.

$1,162/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↑ 14%
$51,655/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 41%
$271,800 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 23%
$1,163/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 8%
126,987
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Athens, GA and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $160/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $1,920/year.

Median household income is $21,375/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Athens is $271,800 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Athens vs Odessa — common questions

Is Athens or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Athens and Odessa?
Median rent in Athens is $1,162/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $160/month.
Which city has higher income, Athens or Odessa?
Median household income is $51,655 in Athens and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $21,375/year higher in Odessa.
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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Athens has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,162/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Athens details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Athens and Odessa

Athens vs. Abilene Athens vs. Topeka Athens vs. Columbia Athens vs. Pearland Athens vs. Lehigh Acres Athens vs. Simi Valley Odessa vs. Elgin Odessa vs. Springfield Odessa vs. Provo Odessa vs. Beaumont Odessa vs. Waterbury Odessa vs. Gresham