Cost of Living: Athens, GA vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Athens

Georgia
83
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Athens is 11% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,162/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 13%
$51,655/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 70%
$271,800 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 6%
$1,163/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 15%
126,987
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
9.85%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

27.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Athens, GA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $154/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $1,848/year.

Median household income is $36,112/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Athens is $271,800 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Athens vs Rochester — common questions

Is Athens or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Athens and Rochester?
Median rent in Athens is $1,162/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $154/month.
Which city has higher income, Athens or Rochester?
Median household income is $51,655 in Athens and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $36,112/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Minnesota?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Athens or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Athens has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,162/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Athens details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Athens and Rochester

Athens vs. Abilene Athens vs. Topeka Athens vs. Columbia Athens vs. Pearland Athens vs. Lehigh Acres Athens vs. Simi Valley Rochester vs. Independence Rochester vs. Lafayette Rochester vs. College Station Rochester vs. Ann Arbor Rochester vs. Clovis Rochester vs. Berkeley