Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Athens, GA (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Baltimore and Athens have a similar cost of living.

$1,290/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 10%
$59,623/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 13%
$219,300 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$271,800 ↑ 24%
$1,333/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 13%
577,193
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $128/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $1,536/year.

Median household income is $7,968/year higher in Baltimore. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Athens — common questions

Is Baltimore or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Athens?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $128/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Athens?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $7,968/year higher in Baltimore.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Georgia?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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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