1-Bedroom Apartment Rent in Athens, AL
Median asking rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Athens, Alabama as of July 2026. That's +29% lower than the citywide median of $1,468 and +25% below the national 1-bedroom median of $1,395.
Income needed for a 1-bedroom in Athens
Using the standard 30% rent-to-income guideline (the threshold above which households are considered rent-burdened), here's what you need to earn to comfortably afford a 1-bedroom at the current median rent.
Rent by apartment size in Athens
Compare Athens's median rent across every apartment size.
Cheapest cities for a 1-bedroom in Alabama
Most expensive cities for a 1-bedroom in Alabama
| # | City | 1-Bedroom rent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Helena | $1,660 |
| 2 | Owens Cross Roads | $1,610 |
| 3 | Calera | $1,470 |
| 4 | Hoover | $1,455 |
| 5 | Madison | $1,450 |
| 6 | Pelham | $1,400 |
| 7 | Meridianville | $1,400 |
| 8 | Vestavia Hills | $1,380 |
| 9 | Trussville | $1,380 |
| 10 | Homewood | $1,380 |
| 11 | Chelsea | $1,350 |
| 12 | Pike Road | $1,300 |
| 13 | Alabaster | $1,280 |
| 14 | Spanish Fort | $1,260 |
| 15 | Moody | $1,250 |
Nearby cities — 1-bedroom rent
Considering nearby alternatives? 5 of these cities have cheaper 1-bedroom rents than Athens.
| City | Distance | 1-Bedroom rent | vs Athens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decatur, AL | 15.6 mi | $785 | $-260 (-25%) |
| Harvest, AL | 15.7 mi | $1,200 | +$155 (+15%) |
| Madison, AL | 15.8 mi | $1,450 | +$405 (+39%) |
| Toney, AL | 20.1 mi | $1,040 | $-5 (0%) |
| Huntsville, AL | 26.8 mi | $1,086 | +$41 (+4%) |
| Hazel Green, AL | 29.3 mi | $1,050 | +$5 (0%) |
| Meridianville, AL | 30.6 mi | $1,400 | +$355 (+34%) |
| Owens Cross Roads, AL | 38 mi | $1,610 | +$565 (+54%) |
| Muscle Shoals, AL | 40 mi | $870 | $-175 (-17%) |
| New Market, AL | 40.5 mi | $1,060 | +$15 (+1%) |
| Florence, AL | 46.8 mi | $740 | $-305 (-29%) |
| Cullman, AL | 47.2 mi | $700 | $-345 (-33%) |
1-Bedroom rent in Athens — common questions
How much is a 1-bedroom apartment in Athens?
As of July 2026, the median 1-bedroom apartment rent in Athens, Alabama is $1,045 per month. This is +29% below the citywide median of $1,468.
What income do you need to afford a 1-bedroom in Athens?
Using the standard 30% rent-to-income rule, you would need an annual income of about $41,800 ($3,483/month gross), which works out to roughly $20.10/hour at a full-time job.
Is Athens expensive for a 1-bedroom compared to the rest of the US?
Athens's 1-bedroom median of $1,045 is +25% below the national 1-bedroom median of $1,395. It ranks in the 25th percentile of US cities tracked.
How does Athens rank for 1-bedroom rent in Alabama?
Among the 65 cities in Alabama with 1-bedroom data, Athens ranks #35 from cheapest to most expensive.
Are there cheaper 1-bedroom options near Athens?
Yes — nearby cities with cheaper 1-bedroom rents include Decatur ($785), Toney ($1,040), Muscle Shoals ($870).