Cost of Living in Athens, PA

With a cost of living index of 72, Athens, PA is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 28% cheaper than the national average and 11% below the Pennsylvania state average of 83. Athens is a small community of 3,260 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Athens's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $834 (37% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $166,800 (45% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.4x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Athens is $49,588, which is 34% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 20% 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 Athens. The area sees an average annual temperature of 48°F, with summers averaging 68°F and winters around 28°F. Annual rainfall totals 32.4 inches spread over roughly 153 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

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.