Salary & Cost of Living in Athens, GA
Athens, GA: $48,000 median salary, cost of living index 90, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$48,000
$23/hr
Cost of Living
90
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
3.2%
rate
Athens, GA Overview
Population
127,584
Median Salary
$48,000
Average Salary
$54,000
Avg Commute
20 min
Median Home Price
$250,000
Median Rent
$1,050/mo
Job Growth
+1.5%
Sales Tax
8%
Athens is located in Georgia with a population of 127,584. The median household salary is $48,000 per year ($23/hour), which is $11,384 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1.5%.
Athens Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Athens, GA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$38,019
$3,168.28/month · $1,462.28/biweekly · Effective Rate: 20.8%
Gross Pay
$48,000
Federal Tax
-$3,722
State Tax
-$2,587
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$3,672
Net Pay
$38,019
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,000.00 | $48,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$310.13 | -$3,721.50 |
| Georgia State Tax (5.39%) | -$215.60 | -$2,587.20 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$248.00 | -$2,976.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$58.00 | -$696.00 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,168.28 | $38,019.30 |
Salary Comparison: Athens vs Other Cities
See how Athens's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athens, GA | $48,000 | 90 | $53,333 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Decatur, AL | $48,000 | 84 | $57,143 |
| Springdale, AR | $48,000 | 86 | $55,814 |
| Pomona, CA | $48,000 | 115 | $41,739 |
| Pueblo, CO | $48,000 | 88 | $54,545 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Athens
Athens's cost of living index is 90 (national average = 100). Living in Athens is 10% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$250,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,050
Annual Rent Cost
$12,600
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $38,019 annual take-home pay in Athens has the purchasing power of approximately $42,244 in an average-cost US area. Your $48,000 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Athens
Athens's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $48,000.
Salary Tips for Athens Workers
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 5.39% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Athens's top industries include Education, Healthcare, Technology. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $48,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Athens, GA?
The median salary in Athens, GA is $48,000 per year, or $23 per hour. The average salary is $54,000. This is $11,384 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Athens, GA?
Athens's cost of living index is 90 (national average = 100), meaning it is 10% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $250,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,050.
What are the best industries in Athens?
The top industries in Athens, GA include Education, Healthcare, Technology. The city has a job growth rate of 1.5% and an unemployment rate of 3.2%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $48,000.
How does Athens's salary compare to other cities?
Athens's median salary of $48,000 is 19.2% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 90), the real purchasing power is approximately $53,333.
What is the minimum wage in Athens, GA?
The minimum wage in Athens, GA is $7.25 per hour. This equals approximately $15,080 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.