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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Garden Grove is 112% more expensive than Athens.

$1,971/mo ↑ 70%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 41%
$90,166/yr ↑ 75%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 43%
$765,500 ↑ 182%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 64%
$2,016/mo ↑ 73%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 42%
170,603
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

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $809/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $9,708/year.

Median household income is $38,511/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Athens — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Athens?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $809/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Athens?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $38,511/year higher in Garden Grove.
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 Garden Grove or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/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 Garden Grove details → View Athens details →

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