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

Athens

Georgia
83
VS

Tyler

Texas
79

Athens is 5% more expensive than Tyler.

$1,162/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,199/mo ↑ 3%
$51,655/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$65,527/yr ↑ 27%
$271,800 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$216,400 ↓ 20%
$1,163/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,170/mo ≈ Same
126,987
Population
107,718

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
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Athens, GA and Tyler, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $13,872/year higher in Tyler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Athens is $271,800 compared to $216,400 in Tyler.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Athens vs Tyler — common questions

Is Athens or Tyler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tyler is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Athens and Tyler?
Median rent in Athens is $1,162/month and in Tyler it's $1,199/month — a difference of $37/month.
Which city has higher income, Athens or Tyler?
Median household income is $51,655 in Athens and $65,527 in Tyler. Median household income is $13,872/year higher in Tyler.
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 Tyler?
It depends on your priorities. Athens has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,162/mo, while Tyler has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,199/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Athens details → View Tyler details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Athens and Tyler

Athens vs. Abilene Athens vs. Topeka Athens vs. Columbia Athens vs. Pearland Athens vs. Lehigh Acres Athens vs. Simi Valley Tyler vs. Riverview Tyler vs. Tuscaloosa Tyler vs. Dearborn Tyler vs. Allen Tyler vs. Sparks Tyler vs. New York