What is the cost of living in Athens, AL?
According to the most recent data on the cost of living, Athens has an overall cost of living index of 95, which is 0.9x lower than the national index of 100.
Compared to Alabama, Athens has a cost of living index that's 1.0x higher than Alabama's index of 91.
The standard of living in Athens ranks as #78 most affordable out of the 116 places we measured in Alabama. By definition, that implies Athens ranks as the #38 most expensive place in the Heart of Dixie.
For more reading on life in Athens, check out:
Athens Cost Of Living Vs. Alabama
Six factors go into calculating the cost of living index in Athens. Here is how it fares on each of the criteria:
The Services index in Athens is 94.
The Groceries index in Athens is 92.
The Health index in Athens is 90.
The Housing index in Athens is 91.
The Transportation index in Athens is 99.
The Utilities index in Athens is 93.
| Living Expense | Athens | Alabama | National Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 95 | 91 | 100 |
| Services | 94 | 95 | 100 |
| Groceries | 92 | 96 | 100 |
| Health | 90 | 74 | 100 |
| Housing | 91 | 96 | 100 |
| Transportation | 99 | 95 | 100 |
| Utilities | 93 | 95 | 100 |
Athens Cost Of Living Compared To Alabama Averages
Index where 100 = national average. Source: cost-of-living index 2026.
For more reading on cost of living around Alabama, check out:
Protect your home budget Compare home warranties in Athens Get matched →Source: Cost-of-living index 2026, normalized to US average = 100
Athens, AL Housing Cost Breakdown
Housing swings affordability the most between places in Alabama, so we broke down housing costs into more detail. Home and income data comes from the most recent US Census ACS 2020-2024. The key points are:
The Median Home Value in Athens is $307,880.
The Median Rent in Athens is $899.
The Median Income in Athens is $69,922.
The Home Value To Income in Athens is 4.4x.
The Rent To Monthly Income in Athens is 0.15x.
Athens, AL Costs By Category
Detailed Athens Services costs vs. Alabama
Detailed Athens Groceries costs vs. Alabama
Detailed Athens Health costs vs. Alabama
Detailed Athens Transportation costs vs. Alabama
Athens SnackAbility
Cost Of Living In Cities Around Athens
The cost of living varies in the cities and towns around Athens. Here's a quick look at the cost of living in the most populous nearby places:
Huntsville, AL has a cost of living index of 96, 1.0x Athens.
Madison, AL has a cost of living index of 105, 1.1x Athens.
Decatur, AL has a cost of living index of 87, 0.9x Athens.
| City | Population | Cost Of Living | Vs. Athens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntsville, AL | 222,791 | 96 | 1.0x |
| Madison, AL | 60,106 | 105 | 1.1x |
| Decatur, AL | 57,361 | 87 | 0.9x |
| Florence, AL | 41,701 | 88 | 0.9x |
| Cullman, AL | 19,319 | 90 | 0.9x |
| Muscle Shoals, AL | 16,951 | 90 | 0.9x |
| Hartselle, AL | 15,847 | 91 | 1.0x |
| Lewisburg, TN | 12,861 | 90 | 0.9x |
| Lawrenceburg, TN | 11,844 | 85 | 0.9x |
| Pulaski, TN | 8,285 | 88 | 0.9x |
