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

Carrollton

Texas
116
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Carrollton is 40% more expensive than Athens.

$1,674/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 31%
$99,115/yr ↑ 92%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 48%
$353,600 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 23%
$1,689/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 31%
132,741
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Carrollton, TX and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 116 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $512/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $6,144/year.

Median household income is $47,460/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Carrollton is $353,600 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Carrollton vs Athens — common questions

Is Carrollton or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 116 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Carrollton and Athens?
Median rent in Carrollton is $1,674/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $512/month.
Which city has higher income, Carrollton or Athens?
Median household income is $99,115 in Carrollton and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $47,460/year higher in Carrollton.
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 Carrollton or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with median rent of $1,674/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.
View Carrollton details → View Athens details →

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