Athens-Clarke County vs Columbus
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Columbus is 22% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $733/mo vs $891/mo in Athens-Clarke County — saving $1,896/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Athens-Clarke County | Columbus | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $596 | $493 | $103 |
| 1 Bedroom | $714 | $600 | $114 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $891 | $733 | $158 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,137 | $932 | $205 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,198 | $1,032 | $166 |
| Median Income | $52,645 | $37,268 | $15,377 |
Athens-Clarke County
- Studio
- $596/mo
- 1 BR
- $714/mo
- 2 BR
- $891/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,137/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,198/mo
- Median Income
- $52,645/yr
Columbus
- Studio
- $493/mo
- 1 BR
- $600/mo
- 2 BR
- $733/mo
- 3 BR
- $932/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,032/mo
- Median Income
- $37,268/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Athens-Clarke County or Columbus cheaper to rent in?
Columbus is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $733/mo vs $891/mo in Athens-Clarke County. That's $158/mo or $1,896/year more expensive in Athens-Clarke County (22% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Athens-Clarke County vs Columbus?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Athens-Clarke County is $891/month. In Columbus, a 2-bedroom FMR is $733/month.
How do incomes compare between Athens-Clarke County and Columbus?
The median household income in Athens-Clarke County is $52,645/year. In Columbus it is $37,268/year. Athens-Clarke County has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Athens-Clarke County vs Columbus?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Athens-Clarke County is $596/mo. In Columbus it is $493/mo.