Cost of Living: Athens, GA vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Athens

Georgia
83
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Athens is 38% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,162/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 23%
$51,655/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↑ 32%
$271,800 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 126%
$1,163/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↑ 25%
126,987
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Athens, GA and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $269/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $3,228/year.

Median household income is $16,723/year higher in East Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Athens is $271,800 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Athens vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Athens or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Athens and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Athens is $1,162/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $269/month.
Which city has higher income, Athens or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $51,655 in Athens and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $16,723/year higher in East Los Angeles.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Athens has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,162/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Athens details → View East Los Angeles details →

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