Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Athens, GA (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Richmond is 18% more expensive than Athens.

$1,314/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 12%
$62,671/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 18%
$328,100 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 17%
$1,374/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 15%
227,595
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $152/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $1,824/year.

Median household income is $11,016/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Athens — common questions

Is Richmond or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Athens?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $152/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Athens?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $11,016/year higher in Richmond.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Georgia?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Richmond or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Athens details →

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