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

Athens

Georgia
83
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Athens is 50% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,162/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 89%
$51,655/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 98%
$271,800 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 118%
$1,163/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 91%
126,987
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Athens, GA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,029/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $12,348/year.

Median household income is $50,666/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Athens is $271,800 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Athens vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Athens or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Athens and Fairfield?
Median rent in Athens is $1,162/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $1,029/month.
Which city has higher income, Athens or Fairfield?
Median household income is $51,655 in Athens and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $50,666/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Athens has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,162/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Athens details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Athens and Fairfield

Athens vs. Abilene Athens vs. Topeka Athens vs. Columbia Athens vs. Pearland Athens vs. Lehigh Acres Athens vs. Simi Valley Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill