Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Athens, GA (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Atlanta is 47% more expensive than Athens.

$1,617/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 28%
$81,938/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 37%
$420,600 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 35%
$1,695/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 31%
499,287
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $455/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $5,460/year.

Median household income is $30,283/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Georgia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Athens — common questions

Is Atlanta or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Athens?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $455/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Athens?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $30,283/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Georgia?
Both cities are in Georgia and share the same state tax rates: 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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