Cost of Living in Athens, TX
Population 13,013 · Texas · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Athens can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $206,000 against $70,601 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 3.0% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Athens is about 30 miles west of Tyler, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Tyler's $216,000 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 $205,700 — 33% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,069/month, 19% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $70,601/year is 5% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.0%, below the national average of 4.8%. Texas charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 77.0°F and lows of 56.2°F. Overall, Athens has a cost of living index of 73 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 27% 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 | 58 | 62 | 70 | 77 | 83 | 90 | 94 | 95 | 89 | 79 | 68 | 59 |
| Low °F | 37 | 41 | 48 | 55 | 64 | 71 | 74 | 74 | 67 | 57 | 47 | 39 |
| Precip" | 3.39 | 3.68 | 3.72 | 3.48 | 4.07 | 4.38 | 2.10 | 2.61 | 3.07 | 4.31 | 3.26 | 4.03 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Athens, TX?
Athens has a cost index of 73 (100 = national average). It is 27% below the national average.
What is average rent in Athens, TX?
The median gross rent in Athens is $1,069 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Athens?
The median home value in Athens is $205,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Athens?
The median household income in Athens is $70,601 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Athens, TX?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Athens is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.
Is Athens, TX affordable?
Yes, Athens is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 73 — about 27% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Athens?
Athens has average high temperatures of 77.0°F and average lows of 56.2°F. Annual precipitation is 42.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Athens at a Glance
- Population
- 13,013
- Median Income
- $70,601
- Home Value
- $205,700
- Median Rent
- $1,069/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 77.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.2%
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Texas Rankings
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