A+
12%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
37%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Athens Texas National
Cost of living8894100
Groceries10098100
Health care9798100
Housing6383100
Transportation10098100
Utilities102103100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9998100
Household Items9898100
Education & Childcare9998100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Athens, TX

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Athens? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Athens stands at 88, making it 12% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

Is Athens Affordable?

Wondering if Athens is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Athens, for example, the median home price is 47.4% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 14.3% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Athens boasting a median household income of $56,149, which is 31% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Athens?

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Athens, the groceries index registers 0.3% higher than the national average.

Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Athens, the housing index stands at 37.5% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Athens shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Athens is 6% lower than the Texas average
  • The cost of living in Athens is 12% lower than the national average
  • Athens housing is 37% lower than the national average
  • Texas general sales tax is 22% higher than the national average
  • Texas state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Athens

See all the best places to live around Athens

Compare Athens, TX Cost of Living

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      Cost of living index
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      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$84,622$7,052$1,974$2,539
      Renters$36,591$3,049$854$1,098
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Athens, TX, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Athens, homeowners have a median income of $84,622. Using that number, a maximum of $1,974 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $36,591, which means there is a maximum of $854 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      Texas Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Texas 6.25% 8.25%

      Texas Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Texas 0% 0%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Murchison, TX3618614.0%
      Malakoff, TX2,6528713.5%
      Eustace, TX1,3758812.1%
      Caney City, TX1308911.5%
      Payne Springs, TX725909.7%
      Athens, TX12,9928811.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Fords, NJ12,99312928.6%
      Georgetown, GA12,9961021.6%
      Middleburg, FL12,9861000.3%
      San Anselmo, CA13,003237136.6%
      Fernandina Beach, FL13,00612525.0%
      Athens, TX12,9928811.7%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.