Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Athens, GA (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Mesa is 29% more expensive than Athens.

$1,478/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 21%
$78,779/yr ↑ 53%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 34%
$364,300 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 25%
$1,404/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 17%
507,478
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $316/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $3,792/year.

Median household income is $27,124/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Athens — common questions

Is Mesa or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Athens?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $316/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Athens?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $27,124/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Georgia?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Athens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Athens

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Athens vs. Abilene Athens vs. Topeka Athens vs. Columbia Athens vs. Pearland Athens vs. Lehigh Acres Athens vs. Simi Valley