Athens, OH vs Bellevue, OH

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Bellevue is 29.9% cheaper than Athens. With a cost index of 64 vs 83, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Bellevue to Athens should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Athens is $1,029/month compared to $733/month in Bellevue — a 40% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Bellevue is more affordable at $130,100 median vs $242,200.

Median household income in Athens is $37,059 compared to $57,534 in Bellevue (-35.6%). Bellevue offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Athens spend roughly 33.3% of their income on rent, more than the 15.3% in Bellevue. The Bellevue ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (54.9°F vs 52°F). Athens receives more rainfall at 44.2" per year compared to 34" in Bellevue.