Ann Arbor MI vs Athens GA — Cost of Living, Crime & Income Comparison 2026
Updated May 2026 · Source: US Census ACS 5-Year (2023), FBI CDE (2023), BLS OEWS (2024)
Ann Arbor, MI
Michigan · Population: N/A
- Median HH IncomeN/A
- Median Home Price$531,674
- UnemploymentN/A
- Bachelor's+N/A
Athens, GA
Georgia · Population: 126,987
- Median HH Income$51,655
- Median Home Price$341,821
- Unemployment5.2%
- Bachelor's+48.7%
Detailed Comparison
Demographics
Population
Ann Arbor
N/A
Athens
126,987
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Ann Arbor
N/A
Athens
N/A
Median Age
Ann Arbor
N/A
Athens
29.2
Foreign Born
Ann Arbor
N/A
Athens
9.8%
White
Ann Arbor
N/A
Athens
57.6%
Black
Ann Arbor
N/A
Athens
26.2%
Asian
Ann Arbor
N/A
Athens
4.3%
Hispanic
Ann Arbor
N/A
Athens
11.5%
Spanish at Home
Ann Arbor
N/A
Athens
N/A
| Metric | Ann Arbor, MI | Athens, GA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | N/A | 126,987 | - |
| Pop. Density / sq miLower = more space | N/A | N/A | - |
| Median Age | N/A | 29.2 | - |
| Foreign Born | N/A | 9.8% | - |
| White | N/A | 57.6% | - |
| Black | N/A | 26.2% | - |
| Asian | N/A | 4.3% | - |
| Hispanic | N/A | 11.5% | - |
| Spanish at Home | N/A | N/A | - |
Economy
Median HH Income
Ann Arbor
N/A
Athens
$51,655
Per Capita Income
Ann Arbor
N/A
Athens
$31,836
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Ann Arbor
$58,052
Ann Arbor +
Athens
$57,405
Unemployment Rate
Ann Arbor
N/A
Athens
5.2%
Poverty Rate
Ann Arbor
N/A
Athens
26.3%
Bachelor's Degree+
Ann Arbor
N/A
Athens
48.7%
| Metric | Ann Arbor, MI | Athens, GA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median HH Income | N/A | $51,655 | - |
| Per Capita Income | N/A | $31,836 | - |
| Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)BEA MSA-level | $58,052 | $57,405 | Ann Arbor + |
| Unemployment Rate | N/A | 5.2% | - |
| Poverty Rate | N/A | 26.3% | - |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | N/A | 48.7% | - |
Housing
Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Ann Arbor
$531,674
Athens
$341,821
Athens +
Homeownership Rate
Ann Arbor
N/A
Athens
40.5%
| Metric | Ann Arbor, MI | Athens, GA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home ValueZillow ZHVI / Census ACS | $531,674 | $341,821 | Athens + |
| Homeownership Rate | N/A | 40.5% | - |
Safety
Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Ann Arbor
471
Athens
392
Athens +
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Ann Arbor
1590
Ann Arbor +
Athens
1752
| Metric | Ann Arbor, MI | Athens, GA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 471 | 392 | Athens + |
| Property Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 1590 | 1752 | Ann Arbor + |
Health
Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Ann Arbor
25.8%
Athens
N/A
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Ann Arbor
6.4%
Athens
N/A
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Ann Arbor
18.3%
Athens
N/A
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Ann Arbor
6.0%
Athens
N/A
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Ann Arbor
18.3%
Athens
N/A
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Ann Arbor
9.1%
Athens
N/A
| Metric | Ann Arbor, MI | Athens, GA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity RateCDC PLACES | 25.8% | N/A | - |
| Diabetes RateCDC PLACES | 6.4% | N/A | - |
| Poor Mental HealthCDC PLACES — 14+ days/month | 18.3% | N/A | - |
| No Health InsuranceCDC PLACES | 6.0% | N/A | - |
| Binge DrinkingCDC PLACES | 18.3% | N/A | - |
| Current SmokersCDC PLACES | 9.1% | N/A | - |
Climate
Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Ann Arbor
48.4°F
Ann Arbor +
Athens
62.6°F
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Ann Arbor
N/A
Athens
46.3 in
| Metric | Ann Arbor, MI | Athens, GA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual TempNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 48.4°F | 62.6°F | Ann Arbor + |
| Annual PrecipitationNOAA 1991–2020 normal | N/A | 46.3 in | - |
Air Quality
PM2.5 Annual Avg
EPA AQS (state-level est.)
Ann Arbor
10.7 µg/m³
Athens
9.8 µg/m³
Athens +
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Ann Arbor
55.0%
Athens
55.0%
Tie
| Metric | Ann Arbor, MI | Athens, GA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 Annual AvgEPA AQS (state-level est.) | 10.7 µg/m³ | 9.8 µg/m³ | Athens + |
| Good Air DaysAQI ≤ 50 | 55.0% | 55.0% | Tie |
Commute
Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Ann Arbor
N/A
Athens
22.3 min
| Metric | Ann Arbor, MI | Athens, GA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute TimeCensus ACS | N/A | 22.3 min | - |
Which City is Right for You?
Athens offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $341,821. On public safety, Athens is safer with a violent crime rate of 392 per 100,000 residents, compared to 471 in Ann Arbor. Athens has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 9.8 µg/m³).
Compare More Cities
Ann Arbor, MI vs New York, NYAnn Arbor, MI vs Los Angeles, CAAnn Arbor, MI vs Chicago, ILAnn Arbor, MI vs Houston, TXAnn Arbor, MI vs Phoenix, AZAnn Arbor, MI vs Philadelphia, PA