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

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Dallas is 17% more expensive than Athens.

$1,403/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 17%
$67,760/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 24%
$295,300 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 8%
$1,409/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 17%
1,299,553
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $241/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $2,892/year.

Median household income is $16,105/year higher in Dallas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Athens — common questions

Is Dallas or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Athens?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $241/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Athens?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $16,105/year higher in Dallas.
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 Dallas or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View Athens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Dallas and Athens

Dallas vs. San Diego Dallas vs. San Jose Dallas vs. San Antonio Dallas vs. Austin Dallas vs. Philadelphia Dallas vs. Jacksonville Athens vs. Abilene Athens vs. Topeka Athens vs. Columbia Athens vs. Pearland Athens vs. Lehigh Acres Athens vs. Simi Valley