Santa Rosa, CA vs Athens, GA: 172 vs 83

$2,084/mo ↑ 79%

Median Rent

$1,162/mo ↓ 44%

$97,410/yr ↑ 89%

Median Income

$51,655/yr ↓ 47%

$685,000 ↑ 152%

Home Value

$271,800 ↓ 60%

$2,130/mo ↑ 83%

Owner Costs

$1,163/mo ↓ 45%

177,216

Population

126,987

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $922/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $11,064/year.

Median household income is $45,755/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Athens — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Athens cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Athens?

Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $922/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Athens?

Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $45,755/year higher in Santa Rosa.

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 Santa Rosa or Athens?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/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.

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

Santa Rosa

Athens

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

More Comparisons