Cost of Living: Athens, GA vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Athens

Georgia
83
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Athens is 36% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,162/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 18%
$51,655/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↑ 14%
$271,800 ↑ 82%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 45%
$1,163/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 13%
126,987
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

27.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Athens, GA and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $211/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $2,532/year.

Median household income is $7,061/year higher in Peoria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Athens is $271,800 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Athens vs Peoria — common questions

Is Athens or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Athens and Peoria?
Median rent in Athens is $1,162/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $211/month.
Which city has higher income, Athens or Peoria?
Median household income is $51,655 in Athens and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $7,061/year higher in Peoria.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Illinois?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Athens or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Athens has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,162/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Athens details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

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Athens vs. Abilene Athens vs. Topeka Athens vs. Columbia Athens vs. Pearland Athens vs. Lehigh Acres Athens vs. Simi Valley Peoria vs. Pompano Beach Peoria vs. Downey Peoria vs. Lansing Peoria vs. Murrieta Peoria vs. Las Cruces Peoria vs. Pueblo