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

Orange

California
206
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Orange is 148% more expensive than Athens.

$2,252/mo ↑ 94%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 48%
$116,945/yr ↑ 126%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 56%
$900,700 ↑ 231%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 70%
$2,394/mo ↑ 106%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 51%
138,723
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

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,090/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $13,080/year.

Median household income is $65,290/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange vs Athens — common questions

Is Orange or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Athens?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $1,090/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Athens?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $65,290/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View Athens details →

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