Athens, OH vs Hamilton, OH

Hamilton is moderately more affordable than Athens, with a 10.9% lower cost of living index. Athens scores 83 compared to 75 for Hamilton, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Athens can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Athens is $1,029/month compared to $974/month in Hamilton — a 6% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hamilton is more affordable at $152,300 median vs $242,200.

Median household income in Athens is $37,059 compared to $54,293 in Hamilton (-31.7%). Hamilton 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 21.5% in Hamilton. The Hamilton 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 53.8°F). Athens receives more rainfall at 44.2" per year compared to 41.4" in Hamilton.