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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Lancaster is 49% more expensive than Athens.

$1,696/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 31%
$76,083/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 32%
$409,100 ↑ 51%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 34%
$1,746/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 33%
170,013
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

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $534/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $6,408/year.

Median household income is $24,428/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Athens — common questions

Is Lancaster or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Athens?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $534/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Athens?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $24,428/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Lancaster or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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 Lancaster details → View Athens details →

More Comparisons

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Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Athens vs. Abilene Athens vs. Topeka Athens vs. Columbia Athens vs. Pearland Athens vs. Lehigh Acres Athens vs. Simi Valley