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Athens-Clarke County, GA

Cost of living in Clarke County, GA

Part of the Athens Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$2,922/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 129,267 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $1,106 38%
Healthcare $480 16%
Groceries $324 11%
Transport $320 11%
Federal tax $302 10%
Energy $205 7%
State tax $130 4%
Water $55 2%

Rent in Clarke County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$1,065
per month
1 bedroom
$1,106
per month
2 bedroom
$1,225
per month
3 bedroom
$1,627
per month
4 bedroom
$1,725
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Clarke County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$52,267
per year
Individual earnings
$28,511
per year
Per capita
$31,915
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Clarke County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$271,900
Annual property tax
$2,444

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Clarke County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$163
per month · 14.8¢/kWh
Natural gas
$42
per month
Annual total
$2,460
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Clarke County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
11.1%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Clarke County

State and local tax rates for Georgia.

State income tax
5.5%
Flat rate
State sales tax
4.0%
Combined sales tax
7.4%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Clarke County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
20.8 min
Drive alone
72.2%
Public transit
2.1%
Work from home
11.8%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Clarke County

What it costs to live in Clarke County each month.

Single person
$2,922
per month
  • Rent $1,106
  • Energy $205
  • Water $55
  • Groceries $324
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $302
  • State tax $130
Couple
$4,121
per month
  • Rent $1,225
  • Energy $246
  • Water $65
  • Groceries $537
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $525
  • State tax $239
Family
$6,659
per month
  • Rent $1,627
  • Energy $308
  • Water $75
  • Groceries $815
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $525
  • State tax $239

Frequently asked questions about Clarke County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Clarke County?

In Clarke County, GA, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,106 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,225 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,627 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Clarke County?

In Clarke County, GA, the average household income is $52,267 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $28,511 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Clarke County?

The estimated cost of living in Clarke County, GA is approximately $2,922 per month for a single person, $4,121 for a couple, $6,659 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Clarke County?

The combined sales tax rate in Clarke County, GA is 7.38%, which includes the Georgia state rate of 4.00% plus an average local rate of 3.38%.

Is Clarke County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Clarke County, GA would need approximately $2,922 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $52,267 per year ($4,356 per month). Clarke County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Clarke County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Clarke County, GA is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 11.1% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Clarke County?

The average home value in Clarke County, GA is $271,900, with average annual property taxes of $2,444, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Clarke County compare to other areas?

You can compare Clarke County, GA with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Clarke County is in the Athens-Clarke County, GA metro area.

Other counties in Georgia

Browse the full list of counties in Georgia, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Georgia

Compare Clarke County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources