Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Athens, GA (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Raleigh is 33% more expensive than Athens.

$1,468/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 21%
$82,424/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 37%
$377,800 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 28%
$1,487/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 22%
470,763
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $306/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $3,672/year.

Median household income is $30,769/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Athens — common questions

Is Raleigh or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Athens?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $306/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Athens?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $30,769/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Georgia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% 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 Raleigh or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Athens details →

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