Cost of Living: Orlando, FL vs Athens, GA (2026)

Orlando

Florida
115
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Orlando is 39% more expensive than Athens.

$1,650/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 30%
$69,268/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 25%
$359,000 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 24%
$1,621/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 28%
311,732
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

28.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orlando, FL and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $488/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $5,856/year.

Median household income is $17,613/year higher in Orlando. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orlando is $359,000 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orlando vs Athens — common questions

Is Orlando or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orlando and Athens?
Median rent in Orlando is $1,650/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $488/month.
Which city has higher income, Orlando or Athens?
Median household income is $69,268 in Orlando and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $17,613/year higher in Orlando.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Georgia?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Orlando or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Orlando has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,650/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.
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