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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Los Angeles is 125% more expensive than Athens.

$1,879/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 38%
$80,366/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 36%
$879,500 ↑ 224%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 69%
$2,055/mo ↑ 77%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 43%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $717/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $8,604/year.

Median household income is $28,711/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Athens — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Athens?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $717/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Athens?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $28,711/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Athens details →

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