A+
15%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
28%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Augusta Georgia National
Cost of living8593100
Goods & Services9297100
Groceries9698100
Health care82100100
Housing7286100
Transportation8994100
Utilities8486100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Augusta, GA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Augusta? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Augusta stands at 85, making it 15% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

Is Augusta Affordable?

Is Augusta affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Augusta, the median home price is 37.6% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 4.3% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Augusta boasting a median household income of $43,759, 20.9% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Augusta?

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Augusta, is 27.6% lower than the national average.

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Augusta, the transportation index stands at 11% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Augusta cost of living data you see above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, providing a practical and accurate means of comparing living expenses in urban areas. Updated quarterly, this index gathers data from over 300 independent researchers, covering more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. These selections are made meticulously to represent a wide range of consumer expenditure categories. The weightings applied to cost differences are based on government survey data that tracks spending patterns among professional and executive households. It's important to note that while the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes factors tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Augusta is 8% lower than the Georgia average
  • The cost of living in Augusta is 15% lower than the national average
  • Augusta housing is 28% lower than the national average
  • Georgia general sales tax is 22% lower than the national average
  • Georgia state income tax is 56% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Augusta

See all the best places to live around Augusta

Compare Augusta, GA Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

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      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$60,181$5,015$1,404$1,806
      Renters$29,162$2,430$680$875
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Augusta, GA, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Augusta homeowners, is $60,181. This would allow for a maximum of $1,404 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $29,162 which would result in a maximum of $680 to be spent on rental costs.

      Georgia Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Georgia 4% 8%

      Georgia Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Georgia 1% 5.75%

      Goods & Services

      Item Augusta National avg. Difference
      Haircut $26.67$24.269.9%
      Beauty Salon $39.50$45.5613.3%
      Toothpaste $3.65$3.701.3%
      Shampoo $1.13$1.2812.0%
      Movie $15.61$12.1328.7%
      Bowling $20.92$18.0016.2%

      Groceries

      Item Augusta National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.52$5.845.4%
      Fried Chicken $1.67$1.576.2%
      Milk $4.53$4.673.0%
      Potatoes $5.41$4.939.6%
      Pizza $13.16$12.098.9%
      Beer $10.06$10.413.4%

      Health Care

      Item Augusta National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $69.88$125.6844.4%
      Doctor $179.92$135.7832.5%
      Dentist $199.00$113.2975.7%
      Ibuprofen $10.12$10.655.0%
      Lipitor $496.43$468.605.9%

      Housing

      Item Augusta National avg. Difference
      Home Price $115,300.00$184,700.0037.6%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,929.91$2,346.6917.8%
      Apartment Rent $908.00$949.004.3%

      Transportation

      Item Augusta National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.24$3.466.3%
      Tire Balancing $52.38$59.9212.6%

      Utilities

      Item Augusta National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $149.68$193.9922.8%
      Phone $189.47$192.251.4%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Clarks Hill, SC195919.5%
      Langley, SC2,1797524.9%
      Warrenville, SC7407623.9%
      Gloverville, SC3,0087821.8%
      Murphys Estates, SC1,5638119.0%
      Augusta, GA197,5358514.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Burlington, ON197,435n/a 
      Akron, OH197,3758415.6%
      Little Rock, AR198,067982.1%
      Sunrise Manor, NV198,187982.2%
      Montgomery, AL199,0548812.2%
      Augusta, GA197,5358514.9%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.