Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Athens, GA (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Denver is 77% more expensive than Athens.

$1,770/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 34%
$91,681/yr ↑ 77%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 44%
$586,700 ↑ 116%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 54%
$1,839/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 37%
713,734
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.49%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $608/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $7,296/year.

Median household income is $40,026/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Athens — common questions

Is Denver or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Athens?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $608/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Athens?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $40,026/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Georgia?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Athens details →

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