Cost of Living in Athens, TN
Population 14,250 · Tennessee · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Athens a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $197,000.
Athens is about 45 miles northeast of Chattanooga, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 24% lower than Chattanooga's $259,000.
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 $197,300 — 35% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $807/month, 39% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $53,151/year is 29% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, above the national average of 4.8%. Tennessee charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. Overall, Athens has a cost of living index of 63 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 37% 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
💨 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, TN?
Athens has a cost index of 63 (100 = national average). It is 37% below the national average.
What is average rent in Athens, TN?
The median gross rent in Athens is $807 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Athens?
The median home value in Athens is $197,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Athens?
The median household income in Athens is $53,151 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Athens, TN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Athens is 9.6%. Tennessee has no state income tax.
Is Athens, TN affordable?
Yes, Athens is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 63 — about 37% below the US national average of 100.
Athens at a Glance
- Population
- 14,250
- Median Income
- $53,151
- Home Value
- $197,300
- Median Rent
- $807/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.5%
- Sales Tax
- 9.6%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Tennessee Rankings
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