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

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Tampa is 36% more expensive than Athens.

$1,567/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 26%
$71,302/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 28%
$375,300 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 28%
$1,553/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 25%
393,389
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $405/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $4,860/year.

Median household income is $19,647/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Athens — common questions

Is Tampa or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Athens?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $405/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Athens?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $19,647/year higher in Tampa.
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 Tampa or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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 Tampa details → View Athens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tampa and Athens

Tampa vs. Arlington Tampa vs. Aurora Tampa vs. Wichita Tampa vs. New Orleans Tampa vs. Bakersfield Tampa vs. Cleveland Athens vs. Abilene Athens vs. Topeka Athens vs. Columbia Athens vs. Pearland Athens vs. Lehigh Acres Athens vs. Simi Valley