Cost of Living in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), GA

With a cost of living index of 90, Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), GA is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 10% cheaper than the national average and 8% above the Georgia state average of 82. As a major city with a population of 126,987, Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance) offers a wide range of housing options, employment opportunities, and urban amenities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance)'s cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,162 (12% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $271,800 (11% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.3x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance) is $51,655, which is 31% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 27% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance). The area sees an average annual temperature of 63°F, with summers averaging 80°F and winters around 46°F. Annual rainfall totals 49 inches spread over roughly 112 days. The mild climate is a draw for many residents and keeps utility costs moderate year-round.

Everyday prices in the Athens-Clarke County, GA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.