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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Pasadena is 165% more expensive than Athens.

$2,218/mo ↑ 91%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 48%
$103,778/yr ↑ 101%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 50%
$1,045,000 ↑ 284%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 74%
$2,340/mo ↑ 101%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 50%
136,462
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,056/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $12,672/year.

Median household income is $52,123/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Athens — common questions

Is Pasadena or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Athens?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $1,056/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Athens?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $52,123/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/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 Pasadena details → View Athens details →

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