Cost of Living: Athens, GA vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Athens

Georgia
83
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Athens is 64% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,162/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 106%
$51,655/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 113%
$271,800 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 288%
$1,163/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 112%
126,987
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

27.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Athens, GA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,233/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $14,796/year.

Median household income is $58,418/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Athens is $271,800 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Athens vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Athens or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Athens and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Athens is $1,162/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,233/month.
Which city has higher income, Athens or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $51,655 in Athens and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $58,418/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and California?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Athens or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Athens has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,162/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Athens details → View Costa Mesa details →

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