Cost of Living in Albany, GA
Population 67,939 · Georgia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Albany run well below national norms — a median of $45,201 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $119,000). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 11.5% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Albany lies roughly 75 miles southeast of the nearest major metro, Columbus — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 35% lower than Columbus' $182,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Albany
The median home value in Albany is $118,700 — 61% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $898/month, 32% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $45,201/year is 39% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 11.5%, above the national average of 4.8%. Georgia's top state income tax rate is 5.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.3%. The climate averages highs of 79.0°F and lows of 56.3°F. Overall, Albany has a cost of living index of 51 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 49% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 62 | 66 | 73 | 80 | 88 | 91 | 93 | 92 | 88 | 81 | 71 | 64 |
| Low °F | 39 | 42 | 48 | 54 | 63 | 71 | 73 | 73 | 68 | 57 | 46 | 41 |
| Precip" | 4.19 | 4.01 | 4.38 | 3.67 | 2.41 | 5.06 | 5.12 | 4.83 | 3.37 | 2.30 | 2.94 | 4.35 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Albany, GA?
Albany has a cost index of 51 (100 = national average). It is 49% below the national average.
What is average rent in Albany, GA?
The median gross rent in Albany is $898 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Albany?
The median home value in Albany is $118,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Albany?
The median household income in Albany is $45,201 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Albany, GA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Albany is 7.3%. The Georgia state income tax top rate is 5.5%.
Is Albany, GA affordable?
Yes, Albany is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 51 — about 49% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Albany?
Albany has average high temperatures of 79.0°F and average lows of 56.3°F. Annual precipitation is 46.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Albany at a Glance
- Population
- 67,939
- Median Income
- $45,201
- Home Value
- $118,700
- Median Rent
- $898/mo
- Unemployment
- 11.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 79.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.3%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Georgia Rankings
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