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

Irving

Texas
102
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Irving is 23% more expensive than Athens.

$1,517/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 23%
$79,641/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 35%
$287,300 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 5%
$1,521/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 24%
255,036
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irving, TX and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $355/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $4,260/year.

Median household income is $27,986/year higher in Irving. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irving is $287,300 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irving vs Athens — common questions

Is Irving or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irving and Athens?
Median rent in Irving is $1,517/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $355/month.
Which city has higher income, Irving or Athens?
Median household income is $79,641 in Irving and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $27,986/year higher in Irving.
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 Irving or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Irving has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,517/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 Irving details → View Athens details →

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