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Moving from Georgia to California

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Atlanta boomtown, film tax credits, Southern hospitality. vs. Tech, beaches, mountains, and the country's highest housing costs.

GA state flag
Living now

Georgia

Capital: Atlanta

Median household income $71,355 · winter low 33°F · 218 sunny days

Atlanta boomtown, film tax credits, Southern hospitality.

CA state flag
Moving to

California

Capital: Sacramento

Median household income $91,905 · winter low 45°F · 258 sunny days

Tech, beaches, mountains, and the country's highest housing costs.

California has an overall price level 110.7 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Georgia
96.3
California
110.7
California has 15% higher overall price level
Housing index
Georgia
88.7
California
154.3
California has 74% higher housing costs
Groceries index
Georgia
98.9
California
106.1
California has 7.2% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Georgia
99.4
California
101.6
California has 2.2% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Georgia
15.4 ¢/kWh
California
35.3 ¢/kWh
California has 129% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Georgia
99.3
California
102.1
California has 2.9% higher transportation
Median home value
Georgia
$343,300
California
$759,500
California is 121% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Georgia
$1,506/mo
California
$2,104/mo
California is 40% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow · USGS (live) state-level

Summer high 84°F · Winter low 45°F · 258 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Georgia
90°F
California
84°F
California is 6.7% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Georgia
33°F
California
45°F
California is 36% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Georgia
63°F
California
59°F
California is 6.6% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Georgia
218
California
258
California has 18% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Georgia
50 in
California
26 in
California is 49% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Georgia
61
California
56
California has 8.2% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Georgia
0
California
302
Snow / year
Georgia
1 in
California
16 in
California is 1500% more annual snowfall

Get the full GeorgiaCalifornia report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, and a 90-day move timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in California than Georgia?

California's overall price level is roughly 113 (US avg = 100), vs about 95.6 for Georgia, based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Georgia tops out at 5.19% income tax. California tops out at 13.3%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in California?

Most California residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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