Cost of Living in Athens, PA
Population 3,260 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Athens is a smaller Pennsylvania community of around 3000 residents, where median household incomes of $49,588 and housing costs ($167,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Athens lies roughly 80 miles south of the nearest major metro, Syracuse — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 33% higher than Syracuse's $125,000.
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 $166,800 — 45% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $834/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $49,588/year is 34% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.2%, below the national average of 4.8%. Pennsylvania's top state income tax rate is 3.1% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. The climate averages highs of 59.0°F and lows of 37.1°F. Overall, Athens has a cost of living index of 58 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 42% less expensive.
Athens has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 | 34 | 36 | 45 | 58 | 70 | 78 | 82 | 81 | 73 | 61 | 49 | 39 |
| Low °F | 16 | 17 | 24 | 34 | 44 | 54 | 58 | 57 | 49 | 39 | 30 | 23 |
| Precip" | 1.66 | 1.34 | 2.39 | 2.81 | 2.98 | 3.50 | 3.36 | 3.58 | 3.47 | 3.02 | 2.21 | 2.04 |
💨 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 Athens, PA?
Athens has a cost index of 58 (100 = national average). It is 42% below the national average.
What is average rent in Athens, PA?
The median gross rent in Athens is $834 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Athens?
The median home value in Athens is $166,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Athens?
The median household income in Athens is $49,588 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Athens, PA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Athens is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.
Is Athens, PA affordable?
Yes, Athens is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 58 — about 42% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Athens?
Athens has average high temperatures of 59.0°F and average lows of 37.1°F. Annual precipitation is 32.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Athens at a Glance
- Population
- 3,260
- Median Income
- $49,588
- Home Value
- $166,800
- Median Rent
- $834/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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Pennsylvania Rankings
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