A+
8%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
28%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Augusta Georgia National
Cost of living9296100
Groceries10399100
Health care9799100
Housing7288100
Transportation10299100
Utilities105102100
Lifestyle & Entertainment95100100
Household Items99100100
Education & Childcare10099100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Augusta, GA

Knowing the cost of living in Augusta allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Augusta stands at 92, marking it 8% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Augusta closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Augusta can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost 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 38% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 5.1% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Augusta boasting a median household income of $65,720, 19.2% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Augusta?

Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Augusta, the housing index comes in at 28.1% lower than the national average.

Groceries: The costs associated with groceries have witnessed substantial increases over the past 2-3 years. In select markets, food prices have escalated by more than 20% during this timeframe, whereas others have seen more restrained upticks. The variances in food expenses can exert a considerable influence on the overall cost of living in a given locale. In Augusta, the groceries index is 2.5% higher than the national average.

Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In Augusta, the utilities index registers 4.9% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Augusta cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Augusta is 4% lower than the Georgia average
  • The cost of living in Augusta is 8% 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 61% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Augusta

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Compare Augusta, GA Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$91,157$7,596$2,127$2,735
      Renters$44,083$3,674$1,029$1,323
      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 $91,157. This would allow for a maximum of $2,127 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $44,083 which would result in a maximum of $1,029 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% 5.57%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Clarks Hill, SC201981.8%
      Langley, SC2,2568119.4%
      Warrenville, SC7698218.1%
      Gloverville, SC3,1188416.2%
      Murphys Estates, SC1,6018811.8%
      Augusta, GA204,183928.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Grand Rapids, MI204,117964.0%
      Montgomery, AL204,2918910.9%
      Huntington Beach, CA204,31319595.1%
      Glendale, CA204,03719393.1%
      Yonkers, NY204,94514241.6%
      Augusta, GA204,183928.1%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.