Cost of Living in Athens, OH
Population 23,211 · Ohio · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
With a median age of 22 and an unusually high bachelor's-degree rate of 32%, Athens is shaped heavily by its student population. That also means median household incomes of $37,059 skew low — the count includes students — while working-household figures run considerably higher. Around 42% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Athens is about 65 miles southeast of Columbus, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Columbus' $235,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Athens
The median home value in Athens is $242,200 — 21% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,029/month, 22% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $37,059/year is 50% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.8%, above the national average of 4.8%. Ohio's top state income tax rate is 3.8% and the combined sales tax is 7.2%. The climate averages highs of 65.2°F and lows of 44.6°F, with about 11.3" of annual snowfall. Overall, Athens has a cost of living index of 79 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 21% 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 | 40 | 44 | 54 | 67 | 76 | 83 | 87 | 86 | 80 | 68 | 55 | 45 |
| Low °F | 24 | 26 | 33 | 42 | 53 | 62 | 66 | 64 | 57 | 45 | 35 | 29 |
| Precip" | 3.41 | 3.01 | 4.00 | 3.74 | 4.48 | 4.89 | 4.63 | 3.65 | 3.23 | 2.95 | 2.83 | 3.39 |
| Snow" | 5.5 | 3.3 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 1.3 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Athens, OH?
Athens has a cost index of 79 (100 = national average). It is 21% below the national average.
What is average rent in Athens, OH?
The median gross rent in Athens is $1,029 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Athens?
The median home value in Athens is $242,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Athens?
The median household income in Athens is $37,059 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Athens, OH?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Athens is 7.2%. The Ohio state income tax top rate is 3.8%.
Is Athens, OH affordable?
Yes, Athens is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 79 — about 21% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Athens?
Athens has average high temperatures of 65.2°F and average lows of 44.6°F. Annual precipitation is 44.2". Average annual snowfall is 11.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Athens at a Glance
- Population
- 23,211
- Median Income
- $37,059
- Home Value
- $242,200
- Median Rent
- $1,029/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 65.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.2%
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