Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs Athens, GA (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Tempe is 45% more expensive than Athens.

$1,623/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 28%
$77,643/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 33%
$421,900 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 36%
$1,554/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 25%
186,419
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $461/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $5,532/year.

Median household income is $25,988/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Tempe slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Athens — common questions

Is Tempe or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Athens?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $461/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Athens?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $25,988/year higher in Tempe.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Georgia?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Tempe or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Athens details →

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