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

Athens

Georgia
83
VS

Pearland

Texas
121

Athens is 38% cheaper than Pearland.

$1,162/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 51%
$51,655/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$112,470/yr ↑ 118%
$271,800 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$330,900 ↑ 22%
$1,163/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,962/mo ↑ 69%
126,987
Population
125,983

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

27.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Athens, GA and Pearland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $597/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $7,164/year.

Median household income is $60,815/year higher in Pearland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Athens is $271,800 compared to $330,900 in Pearland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Athens vs Pearland — common questions

Is Athens or Pearland 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 Pearland?
Median rent in Athens is $1,162/month and in Pearland it's $1,759/month — a difference of $597/month.
Which city has higher income, Athens or Pearland?
Median household income is $51,655 in Athens and $112,470 in Pearland. Median household income is $60,815/year higher in Pearland.
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 Pearland?
It depends on your priorities. Athens has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,162/mo, while Pearland has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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