Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Athens, GA (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Reno is 47% more expensive than Athens.

$1,453/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 20%
$78,448/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 34%
$498,600 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 45%
$1,482/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 22%
268,959
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $291/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $3,492/year.

Median household income is $26,793/year higher in Reno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Athens — common questions

Is Reno or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Athens?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $291/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Athens?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $26,793/year higher in Reno.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and Georgia?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Athens details →

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