Cost of Living in Athens, OH

With a cost of living index of 83, Athens, OH is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 17% cheaper than the national average and 6% above the Ohio state average of 78. Athens is a smaller community of 23,211 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Athens's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,029 (22% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $242,200 (21% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6.5x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Athens is $37,059, which is 51% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 33% of household income on rent. This exceeds the recommended 30% threshold, meaning many renters here are cost-burdened. 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. The area sees an average annual temperature of 54.9°F, with summers averaging 75°F and winters around 35°F. Annual rainfall totals 44.2 inches spread over roughly 137 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.