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

Athens

Georgia
83
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Athens is 143% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,162/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 122%
$51,655/yr ↓ 62%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 160%
$271,800 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 250%
$1,163/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 134%
126,987
Population
125,676

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Athens, GA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,418/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $17,016/year.

Median household income is $82,712/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Athens is $271,800 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Athens vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Athens or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Athens and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Athens is $1,162/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,418/month.
Which city has higher income, Athens or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $51,655 in Athens and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $82,712/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
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 Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Athens has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,162/mo, while Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with rent of $2,580/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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