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Cost of Living in Athens County

Is it better to rent or buy in Athens County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$52,018
$951/mo

Median in area: $951

$180,468

Median in area: $180,468

$36,094

If you Rent

🔑
$1,152 /mo
Base Rent$951
Est. Utilities$201
% of Income26.6%
Pre-tax Residual$3,183

If you Buy

🏠
$1,425 /mo
P&I (7.206%)$981
Taxes & Ins$243
Est. Utilities$201
% of Income32.9%
Pre-tax Residual$2,910

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Athens County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyVinton County, OH
$835/mo
countyMorgan County, OH
$753/mo
countyHocking County, OH
$833/mo
countyWashington County, OH
$834/mo
countyMeigs County, OH
$814/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Athens County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Athens County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,152, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,425 per month (a difference of $273).

How much do utilities cost in Athens County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Athens County is approximately $201. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Athens County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Athens County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $46,080 per year.