Athens GA vs Salinas CA — Cost of Living, Crime & Income Comparison 2026
Updated May 2026 · Source: US Census ACS 5-Year (2023), FBI CDE (2023), BLS OEWS (2024)
Athens, GA
Georgia · Population: 126,987
- Median HH Income$51,655
- Median Home Price$341,821
- Unemployment5.2%
- Bachelor's+48.7%
Salinas, CA
California · Population: 161,993
- Median HH Income$89,150
- Median Home Price$751,711
- Unemployment4.7%
- Bachelor's+15.5%
Detailed Comparison
Demographics
Population
Athens
126,987
Salinas
161,993
Salinas +
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Athens
N/A
Salinas
N/A
Median Age
Athens
29.2
Athens +
Salinas
32.1
Foreign Born
Athens
9.8%
Salinas
36.3%
Salinas +
White
Athens
57.6%
Athens +
Salinas
21.8%
Black
Athens
26.2%
Athens +
Salinas
1.4%
Asian
Athens
4.3%
Salinas
5.7%
Salinas +
Hispanic
Athens
11.5%
Salinas
80.3%
Salinas +
Spanish at Home
Athens
N/A
Salinas
N/A
| Metric | Athens, GA | Salinas, CA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,987 | 161,993 | Salinas + |
| Pop. Density / sq miLower = more space | N/A | N/A | - |
| Median Age | 29.2 | 32.1 | Athens + |
| Foreign Born | 9.8% | 36.3% | Salinas + |
| White | 57.6% | 21.8% | Athens + |
| Black | 26.2% | 1.4% | Athens + |
| Asian | 4.3% | 5.7% | Salinas + |
| Hispanic | 11.5% | 80.3% | Salinas + |
| Spanish at Home | N/A | N/A | - |
Economy
Median HH Income
Athens
$51,655
Salinas
$89,150
Salinas +
Per Capita Income
Athens
$31,836
Athens +
Salinas
$28,813
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Athens
$57,405
Salinas
$77,230
Salinas +
Unemployment Rate
Athens
5.2%
Salinas
4.7%
Salinas +
Poverty Rate
Athens
26.3%
Salinas
14.2%
Salinas +
Bachelor's Degree+
Athens
48.7%
Athens +
Salinas
15.5%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Salinas, CA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median HH Income | $51,655 | $89,150 | Salinas + |
| Per Capita Income | $31,836 | $28,813 | Athens + |
| Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)BEA MSA-level | $57,405 | $77,230 | Salinas + |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.2% | 4.7% | Salinas + |
| Poverty Rate | 26.3% | 14.2% | Salinas + |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 48.7% | 15.5% | Athens + |
Housing
Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Athens
$341,821
Athens +
Salinas
$751,711
Homeownership Rate
Athens
40.5%
Salinas
47.0%
Salinas +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Salinas, CA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home ValueZillow ZHVI / Census ACS | $341,821 | $751,711 | Athens + |
| Homeownership Rate | 40.5% | 47.0% | Salinas + |
Safety
Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
392
Athens +
Salinas
503
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
1752
Athens +
Salinas
2388
| Metric | Athens, GA | Salinas, CA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 392 | 503 | Athens + |
| Property Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 1752 | 2388 | Athens + |
Health
Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Salinas
32.8%
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Salinas
12.4%
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Athens
N/A
Salinas
18.2%
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Salinas
22.4%
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Salinas
16.8%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Salinas
12.9%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Salinas, CA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 32.8% | - |
| Diabetes RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 12.4% | - |
| Poor Mental HealthCDC PLACES — 14+ days/month | N/A | 18.2% | - |
| No Health InsuranceCDC PLACES | N/A | 22.4% | - |
| Binge DrinkingCDC PLACES | N/A | 16.8% | - |
| Current SmokersCDC PLACES | N/A | 12.9% | - |
Climate
Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
62.6°F
Salinas
57.3°F
Salinas +
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
46.3 in
Salinas
15.5 in
Salinas +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Salinas, CA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual TempNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 62.6°F | 57.3°F | Salinas + |
| Annual PrecipitationNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 46.3 in | 15.5 in | Salinas + |
Air Quality
PM2.5 Annual Avg
EPA AQS (state-level est.)
Athens
9.8 µg/m³
Salinas
7.9 µg/m³
Salinas +
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Athens
55.0%
Salinas
75.0%
Salinas +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Salinas, CA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 Annual AvgEPA AQS (state-level est.) | 9.8 µg/m³ | 7.9 µg/m³ | Salinas + |
| Good Air DaysAQI ≤ 50 | 55.0% | 75.0% | Salinas + |
Commute
Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Athens
22.3 min
Athens +
Salinas
28.8 min
| Metric | Athens, GA | Salinas, CA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute TimeCensus ACS | 22.3 min | 28.8 min | Athens + |
Which City is Right for You?
Salinas leads in median household income at $89,150, while athens offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $341,821. On public safety, Athens is safer with a violent crime rate of 392 per 100,000 residents, compared to 503 in Salinas. Salinas has a lower unemployment rate at 4.7%, and Salinas has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 7.9 µg/m³).
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