Cost of Living: Irvine, CA vs South Fulton, GA (2026)

Irvine

California
256
VS

South Fulton

Georgia
103

Irvine is 149% more expensive than South Fulton.

$2,893/mo ↑ 80%
Median Rent
$1,607/mo ↓ 44%
$129,647/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$81,798/yr ↓ 37%
$1,115,400 ↑ 312%
Home Value
$270,600 ↓ 76%
$2,904/mo ↑ 88%
Owner Costs
$1,541/mo ↓ 47%
308,160
Population
109,157

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and South Fulton, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,286/month cheaper in South Fulton, saving renters about $15,432/year.

Median household income is $47,849/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $270,600 in South Fulton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs South Fulton — common questions

Is Irvine or South Fulton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, South Fulton is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and South Fulton?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in South Fulton it's $1,607/month — a difference of $1,286/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or South Fulton?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $81,798 in South Fulton. Median household income is $47,849/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or South Fulton?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/mo, while South Fulton has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,607/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Irvine details → View South Fulton details →

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