Cost of Living: Athens, GA vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Athens

Georgia
83
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Athens is 30% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,162/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 47%
$51,655/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↑ 34%
$271,800 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 36%
$1,163/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 43%
126,987
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

27.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Athens, GA and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $547/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $6,564/year.

Median household income is $17,606/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Athens is $271,800 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Athens vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Athens or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Athens and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Athens is $1,162/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $547/month.
Which city has higher income, Athens or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $51,655 in Athens and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $17,606/year higher in West Palm Beach.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Florida?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Athens or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Athens has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,162/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Athens details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Athens and West Palm Beach

Athens vs. Abilene Athens vs. Topeka Athens vs. Columbia Athens vs. Pearland Athens vs. Lehigh Acres Athens vs. Simi Valley West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings