Cost of Living: Hampton, VA vs Athens, GA (2026)

Hampton

Virginia
88
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Hampton is 6% more expensive than Athens.

$1,346/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 14%
$67,758/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 24%
$234,100 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$271,800 ↑ 16%
$1,347/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 14%
137,334
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hampton, VA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $184/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $2,208/year.

Median household income is $16,103/year higher in Hampton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hampton is $234,100 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hampton vs Athens — common questions

Is Hampton or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hampton and Athens?
Median rent in Hampton is $1,346/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $184/month.
Which city has higher income, Hampton or Athens?
Median household income is $67,758 in Hampton and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $16,103/year higher in Hampton.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Georgia?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Hampton or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Hampton has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,346/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 Hampton details → View Athens details →

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