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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Modesto is 45% more expensive than Athens.

$1,609/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 28%
$77,899/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 34%
$415,600 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 35%
$1,613/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 28%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $447/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $5,364/year.

Median household income is $26,244/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Athens — common questions

Is Modesto or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Athens?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $447/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Athens?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $26,244/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Athens details →

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