Cost of Living in Hiawassee, GA

With a cost of living index of 90, Hiawassee, 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. Hiawassee is a small community of 1,300 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Hiawassee's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $890 (33% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $365,300 (20% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 8.3x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Hiawassee is $43,819, which is 42% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 24% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. 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 Hiawassee. The area sees an average annual temperature of 61.2°F, with summers averaging 77°F and winters around 44°F. Annual rainfall totals 52.4 inches spread over roughly 128 days.

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.