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

Huntington Beach

California
227
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Huntington Beach is 173% more expensive than Athens.

$2,424/mo ↑ 109%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 52%
$119,885/yr ↑ 132%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 57%
$1,047,300 ↑ 285%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 74%
$2,436/mo ↑ 109%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 52%
196,010
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntington Beach, CA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 227 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,262/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $15,144/year.

Median household income is $68,230/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntington Beach is $1,047,300 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntington Beach vs Athens — common questions

Is Huntington Beach or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntington Beach and Athens?
Median rent in Huntington Beach is $2,424/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $1,262/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntington Beach or Athens?
Median household income is $119,885 in Huntington Beach and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $68,230/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with median rent of $2,424/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 Huntington Beach details → View Athens details →

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