Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Athens, GA (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Columbus and Athens have a similar cost of living.

$1,224/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 5%
$65,327/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 21%
$234,500 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$271,800 ↑ 16%
$1,243/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 6%
906,480
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $62/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $744/year.

Median household income is $13,672/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Athens — common questions

Is Columbus or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Athens?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $62/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Athens?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $13,672/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Georgia?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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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