Athens GA vs Cape Coral FL — Cost of Living, Crime & Income Comparison 2026
Updated May 2026 · Source: US Census ACS 5-Year (2023), FBI CDE (2023), BLS OEWS (2024)
Athens, GA
Georgia · Population: 126,987
- Median HH Income$51,655
- Median Home Price$341,821
- Unemployment5.2%
- Bachelor's+48.7%
Cape Coral, FL
Florida · Population: 206,387
- Median HH Income$76,062
- Median Home Price$339,638
- Unemployment4.1%
- Bachelor's+25.7%
Detailed Comparison
Demographics
Population
Athens
126,987
Cape Coral
206,387
Cape Coral +
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Athens
N/A
Cape Coral
N/A
Median Age
Athens
29.2
Athens +
Cape Coral
48.7
Foreign Born
Athens
9.8%
Cape Coral
17.9%
Cape Coral +
White
Athens
57.6%
Cape Coral
72.9%
Cape Coral +
Black
Athens
26.2%
Athens +
Cape Coral
4.5%
Asian
Athens
4.3%
Athens +
Cape Coral
1.6%
Hispanic
Athens
11.5%
Cape Coral
25.1%
Cape Coral +
Spanish at Home
Athens
N/A
Cape Coral
N/A
| Metric | Athens, GA | Cape Coral, FL | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,987 | 206,387 | Cape Coral + |
| Pop. Density / sq miLower = more space | N/A | N/A | - |
| Median Age | 29.2 | 48.7 | Athens + |
| Foreign Born | 9.8% | 17.9% | Cape Coral + |
| White | 57.6% | 72.9% | Cape Coral + |
| Black | 26.2% | 4.5% | Athens + |
| Asian | 4.3% | 1.6% | Athens + |
| Hispanic | 11.5% | 25.1% | Cape Coral + |
| Spanish at Home | N/A | N/A | - |
Economy
Median HH Income
Athens
$51,655
Cape Coral
$76,062
Cape Coral +
Per Capita Income
Athens
$31,836
Cape Coral
$39,603
Cape Coral +
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Athens
$57,405
Cape Coral
$65,328
Cape Coral +
Unemployment Rate
Athens
5.2%
Cape Coral
4.1%
Cape Coral +
Poverty Rate
Athens
26.3%
Cape Coral
9.8%
Cape Coral +
Bachelor's Degree+
Athens
48.7%
Athens +
Cape Coral
25.7%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Cape Coral, FL | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median HH Income | $51,655 | $76,062 | Cape Coral + |
| Per Capita Income | $31,836 | $39,603 | Cape Coral + |
| Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)BEA MSA-level | $57,405 | $65,328 | Cape Coral + |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.2% | 4.1% | Cape Coral + |
| Poverty Rate | 26.3% | 9.8% | Cape Coral + |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 48.7% | 25.7% | Athens + |
Housing
Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Athens
$341,821
Cape Coral
$339,638
Cape Coral +
Homeownership Rate
Athens
40.5%
Cape Coral
77.7%
Cape Coral +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Cape Coral, FL | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home ValueZillow ZHVI / Census ACS | $341,821 | $339,638 | Cape Coral + |
| Homeownership Rate | 40.5% | 77.7% | Cape Coral + |
Safety
Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
392
Cape Coral
324
Cape Coral +
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
1752
Cape Coral
1453
Cape Coral +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Cape Coral, FL | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 392 | 324 | Cape Coral + |
| Property Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 1752 | 1453 | Cape Coral + |
Health
Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Cape Coral
30.6%
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Cape Coral
13.4%
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Athens
N/A
Cape Coral
15.5%
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Cape Coral
14.4%
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Cape Coral
15.1%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Cape Coral
12.6%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Cape Coral, FL | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 30.6% | - |
| Diabetes RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 13.4% | - |
| Poor Mental HealthCDC PLACES — 14+ days/month | N/A | 15.5% | - |
| No Health InsuranceCDC PLACES | N/A | 14.4% | - |
| Binge DrinkingCDC PLACES | N/A | 15.1% | - |
| Current SmokersCDC PLACES | N/A | 12.6% | - |
Climate
Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
62.6°F
Cape Coral
N/A
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
46.3 in
Cape Coral
N/A
| Metric | Athens, GA | Cape Coral, FL | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual TempNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 62.6°F | N/A | - |
| Annual PrecipitationNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 46.3 in | N/A | - |
Air Quality
PM2.5 Annual Avg
EPA AQS (state-level est.)
Athens
9.8 µg/m³
Cape Coral
7.2 µg/m³
Cape Coral +
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Athens
55.0%
Cape Coral
75.0%
Cape Coral +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Cape Coral, FL | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 Annual AvgEPA AQS (state-level est.) | 9.8 µg/m³ | 7.2 µg/m³ | Cape Coral + |
| Good Air DaysAQI ≤ 50 | 55.0% | 75.0% | Cape Coral + |
Commute
Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Athens
22.3 min
Athens +
Cape Coral
31.1 min
| Metric | Athens, GA | Cape Coral, FL | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute TimeCensus ACS | 22.3 min | 31.1 min | Athens + |
Which City is Right for You?
Cape Coral leads in median household income at $76,062, while cape Coral offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $339,638. On public safety, Cape Coral is safer with a violent crime rate of 324 per 100,000 residents, compared to 392 in Athens. Cape Coral has a lower unemployment rate at 4.1%, and Cape Coral has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 7.2 µg/m³).
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