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

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Plano is 59% more expensive than Athens.

$1,792/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 35%
$108,649/yr ↑ 110%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 52%
$440,600 ↑ 62%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 38%
$1,829/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 36%
287,339
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $630/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $7,560/year.

Median household income is $56,994/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Athens — common questions

Is Plano or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Athens?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $630/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Athens?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $56,994/year higher in Plano.
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 Plano or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Athens details →

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