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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Riverside is 73% more expensive than Athens.

$1,812/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 36%
$88,575/yr ↑ 71%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 42%
$542,100 ↑ 99%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 50%
$1,880/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 38%
316,241
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $650/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $7,800/year.

Median household income is $36,920/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Athens — common questions

Is Riverside or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Athens?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $650/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Athens?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $36,920/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Athens details →

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