Rent vs Buy in Athens, GA
Monthly cost of renting vs owning a median-priced home · 30-yr fixed, 20% down
Renting looks favorable in Athens, GA
Price-to-rent ratio is 23.4 (under 15 favors buying, over 21 favors renting). Renting costs $1,225/mo; owning runs about $2,568/mo — $1,343/mo more to own.
| Monthly cost to own | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mortgage (P&I, 6.95% rate) | $1,822 |
| Property tax | $315 |
| Home insurance | $143 |
| Maintenance | $287 |
| Total to own | $2,568 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,225 |
Based on a median home value of $344,107 with a $68,821 down payment. Owning also builds equity over time, which a monthly comparison doesn't capture. Estimates use national averages for taxes, insurance and maintenance — your actual costs will vary.