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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Austin is 61% more expensive than Athens.

$1,655/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 30%
$91,461/yr ↑ 77%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 44%
$512,700 ↑ 89%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 47%
$1,747/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 33%
967,862
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $493/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $5,916/year.

Median household income is $39,806/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Athens — common questions

Is Austin or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Athens?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $493/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Athens?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $39,806/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Georgia?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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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