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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Fontana is 76% more expensive than Athens.

$1,733/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 33%
$98,187/yr ↑ 90%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 47%
$558,500 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 51%
$1,990/mo ↑ 71%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 42%
211,921
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $571/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $6,852/year.

Median household income is $46,532/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Athens — common questions

Is Fontana or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Athens?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $571/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Athens?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $46,532/year higher in Fontana.
How do taxes compare between California and Georgia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Fontana or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fontana details → View Athens details →

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