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

Glendale

California
214
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Glendale is 158% more expensive than Athens.

$2,095/mo ↑ 80%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 45%
$84,262/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 39%
$1,043,900 ↑ 284%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 74%
$2,212/mo ↑ 90%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 47%
192,270
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

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $933/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $11,196/year.

Median household income is $32,607/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Athens — common questions

Is Glendale or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Athens?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $933/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Athens?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $32,607/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/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 Glendale details → View Athens details →

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