Cost of Living: Eugene, OR vs Athens, GA (2026)

Eugene

Oregon
111
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Eugene is 34% more expensive than Athens.

$1,347/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 14%
$63,836/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 19%
$435,400 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 38%
$1,421/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 18%
177,520
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
5.49%
0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Eugene, OR and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 111 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $185/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $2,220/year.

Median household income is $12,181/year higher in Eugene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Eugene is $435,400 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eugene vs Athens — common questions

Is Eugene or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 111 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Eugene and Athens?
Median rent in Eugene is $1,347/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $185/month.
Which city has higher income, Eugene or Athens?
Median household income is $63,836 in Eugene and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $12,181/year higher in Eugene.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Georgia?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Eugene or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Eugene has a cost index of 111 with median rent of $1,347/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 Eugene details → View Athens details →

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