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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Fresno is 22% more expensive than Athens.

$1,324/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 12%
$66,804/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 23%
$348,500 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 22%
$1,391/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 16%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $162/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $1,944/year.

Median household income is $15,149/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Athens — common questions

Is Fresno or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Athens?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $162/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Athens?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $15,149/year higher in Fresno.
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 Fresno or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Athens details →

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