Cost of Living in Athens-Clarke County, GA
Population 126,987 · Georgia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Athens-Clarke County cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $272,000, rents near $1,162 a month. Around 26% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Athens-Clarke County
The median home value in Athens-Clarke County is $271,800 — 11% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,162/month, 12% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $51,655/year is 31% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.2%, 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 74.2°F and lows of 51.7°F. Overall, Athens-Clarke County has a cost of living index of 89 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 11% 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 | 55 | 59 | 67 | 75 | 82 | 89 | 92 | 90 | 85 | 75 | 65 | 57 |
| Low °F | 34 | 37 | 43 | 50 | 59 | 67 | 70 | 69 | 63 | 52 | 42 | 36 |
| Precip" | 4.36 | 4.36 | 4.37 | 3.52 | 3.28 | 4.88 | 4.20 | 4.55 | 3.89 | 3.34 | 3.77 | 4.43 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Athens-Clarke County, GA?
Athens-Clarke County has a cost index of 89 (100 = national average). It is 11% below the national average.
What is average rent in Athens-Clarke County, GA?
The median gross rent in Athens-Clarke County is $1,162 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Athens-Clarke County?
The median home value in Athens-Clarke County is $271,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Athens-Clarke County?
The median household income in Athens-Clarke County is $51,655 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Athens-Clarke County, GA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Athens-Clarke County is 7.3%. The Georgia state income tax top rate is 5.5%.
Is Athens-Clarke County, GA affordable?
Yes, Athens-Clarke County is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 89 — about 11% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Athens-Clarke County?
Athens-Clarke County has average high temperatures of 74.2°F and average lows of 51.7°F. Annual precipitation is 49". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Athens-Clarke County at a Glance
- Population
- 126,987
- Median Income
- $51,655
- Home Value
- $271,800
- Median Rent
- $1,162/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 74.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.3%
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Georgia Rankings
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