City Comparison
Athens vs Smyrna
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Athens scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Athens
Smyrna
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Athens is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
15% lower than in Smyrna.
Housing costs are a major driver: Athens's average rent is
23% lower than Smyrna's.
| Metric | Athens | Smyrna | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,350 | $1,750 | -23% |
| Groceries | $380 | $420 | -10% |
| Utilities | $175 | $190 | -8% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $150 | +53% |
| Monthly Total | $2,245 | $2,630 | -15% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 99 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Athens offers 18% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Athens delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Athens is estimated at
$52,000 vs $57,912 in Smyrna.
| Metric | Athens | Smyrna |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $62,000 | $52,722 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $57,912 |
| Purchasing Power | 67,391 idx | 53,255 idx |
| Household Income | $53,400 | $67,048 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Athens runs warmer on average — a 63.1°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Athens comes out ahead with 248 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Athens sees 3.7 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Athens | Smyrna |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 63.10°F | °F |
| Summer High | 86.60°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 36.30°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 38.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 3.70 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 248 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Athens has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
6,000 minutes (100 hours) per year compared to Smyrna.
Athens scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Athens leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Athens | Smyrna |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 33 min |
| Transit Score | 48.0/100 | 25.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | — |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Athens is the larger city
— approximately 9.2x the population of Smyrna.
From a growth perspective, Smyrna is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Athens has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Athens | Smyrna |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 128,561 | 13,936 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 2.90% |
| Median Age | 27.5 | 34.3 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 4.60% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Athens
Advantages
Vibrant music and arts scene rooted in legendary alternative rock history and active local venues
World-class cultural and educational amenities driven by the University of Georgia
Cost of living that remains below the national average despite steady growth
Exceptional local healthcare infrastructure anchored by Piedmont Athens Regional and St. Mary's
Abundant green spaces including the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and the North Oconee River Greenway
Drawbacks
Significant traffic congestion and parking shortages during University of Georgia home football game days
Rental market volatility and higher prices driven by high student demand near downtown
Property crime rates that skew higher in densely populated student and entertainment zones
Warm and humid summer climate that can be oppressive for sensitive individuals
Limited heavy rail public transit connectivity to neighboring metropolitan hubs like Atlanta
Smyrna
Advantages
Smyrna is one of the fastest-growing communities in Delaware, indicating strong development and opportunity.
The cost of living in Smyrna is generally lower than the national average, particularly for housing.
The town boasts a quality school district, making it attractive for families.
Smyrna's strategic location provides convenient access to larger job markets in Dover and Wilmington.
The town offers a strong community-focused lifestyle with a walkable downtown and local events.
Drawbacks
Smyrna has a higher crime rate compared to both national and statewide averages, with a worsening crime trajectory.
The town exhibits high car dependency due to a Walk Score of 0.
The average commute time of 33.4 minutes is higher than the national average.
Public transportation options, while available, may have limited frequency and coverage.
Despite growth, the town itself has limited economic opportunities, requiring commutes for many jobs.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Athens
#287Georgia, USA
61.4 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,350
Avg Salary
$62,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
48.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
248/yr
Avg Temp
63.10°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
78
Business
72
Smyrna
#533Delaware, USA
49.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,750
Avg Salary
$52,722
Cost Index
99
Commute
33 min
Transit Score
25.0/100
Walkability
—
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.90%
Unemployment
4.60%
Livability
68
Business
72
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