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

Athens

Georgia
83
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Athens is 35% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,162/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 57%
$51,655/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 86%
$271,800 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 49%
$1,163/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 54%
126,987
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Athens, GA and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $663/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $7,956/year.

Median household income is $44,602/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Athens is $271,800 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Athens vs Richardson — common questions

Is Athens or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Athens and Richardson?
Median rent in Athens is $1,162/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $663/month.
Which city has higher income, Athens or Richardson?
Median household income is $51,655 in Athens and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $44,602/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Athens has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,162/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Athens details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Athens and Richardson

Athens vs. Abilene Athens vs. Topeka Athens vs. Columbia Athens vs. Pearland Athens vs. Lehigh Acres Athens vs. Simi Valley Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater