City Comparison
Athens vs Stonecrest
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Athens scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Athens
Stonecrest
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Athens is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
14% lower than in Stonecrest.
Housing costs are a major driver: Athens's average rent is
18% lower than Stonecrest's.
| Metric | Athens | Stonecrest | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,350 | $1,650 | -18% |
| Groceries | $380 | $420 | -10% |
| Utilities | $175 | $175 | 0% |
| Transport | $110 | $130 | -15% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $240 | -4% |
| Monthly Total | $2,245 | $2,615 | -14% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 96 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Stonecrest offers 3% lower 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 $52,000 in Stonecrest.
| Metric | Athens | Stonecrest |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $62,000 | $64,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 67,391 idx | 66,667 idx |
| Household Income | $53,400 | $65,400 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0.2°F of each other.
For sunshine, Athens comes out ahead with 16 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Athens sees 0.5 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Athens | Stonecrest |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 63.10°F | 63.30°F |
| Summer High | 86.60°F | 87.30°F |
| Winter Low | 36.30°F | 36.20°F |
| Rainfall | 38.30 in | 44.00 in |
| Snowfall | 3.70 in | 3.20 in |
| Sunny Days | 248 | 232 |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Athens has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,500 minutes (92 hours) per year compared to Stonecrest.
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 | Stonecrest |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 32 min |
| Transit Score | 48.0/100 | 42.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 38.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 52.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Athens is the larger city
— approximately 2.2x the population of Stonecrest.
From a growth perspective, Athens 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 | Stonecrest |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 128,561 | 59,194 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 0.80% |
| Median Age | 27.5 | 39.0 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 4.20% |
| 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
Stonecrest
Advantages
More affordable housing options compared to intown Atlanta and northern metro suburbs per Zillow market data
Proximity to the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area providing extensive hiking and outdoor recreation
Strategic location along Interstate 20 offering direct access to the wider Atlanta employment market
Growing commercial retail and dining amenities centered around the Mall at Stonecrest district
Active municipal leadership focused on economic development and community-driven urban planning
Drawbacks
High car dependency with limited public transit options connecting to regional rail networks
Traffic congestion along major commercial corridors like Turner Hill Road during peak commute hours
Property tax rates reflective of DeKalb County municipal structures
Limited high-density nightlife and entertainment options directly within city limits compared to central Atlanta
Relying on neighboring cities for major tertiary and quaternary hospital facilities
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
Stonecrest
#337Georgia, USA
60.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,650
Avg Salary
$64,000
Cost Index
96
Commute
32 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
38.0/100
Sunny Days
232/yr
Avg Temp
63.30°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
72
Business
69
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