Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Athens, GA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Durham is 27% more expensive than Athens.

$1,412/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 18%
$79,234/yr ↑ 53%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 35%
$355,300 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 24%
$1,434/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 19%
288,465
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $250/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $3,000/year.

Median household income is $27,579/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Athens — common questions

Is Durham or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Athens?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $250/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Athens?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $27,579/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Georgia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Athens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Durham and Athens

Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo Athens vs. Abilene Athens vs. Topeka Athens vs. Columbia Athens vs. Pearland Athens vs. Lehigh Acres Athens vs. Simi Valley