| Index | Augusta | Maine | National |
| Cost of living | 96 | 100 | 100 |
| Groceries | 103 | 103 | 100 |
| Health care | 102 | 101 | 100 |
| Housing | 80 | 91 | 100 |
| Transportation | 104 | 103 | 100 |
| Utilities | 105 | 108 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 101 | 103 | 100 |
| Household Items | 103 | 103 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 105 | 106 | 100 |
Getting a feel for the cost of living in Augusta is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Augusta is 96, which is 4% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.
The cost of living in Augusta is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.
The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 5 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Augusta. The feedback revealed that 40% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 60% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.
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 19.1% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 23.3% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Augusta boasting a median household income of $56,892, 30.1% lower than the national average.
Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Augusta, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 5.5%, and income tax rates kick off at 5.8%.
Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In Augusta, healthcare costs are 1.7% higher than the national average.
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 20.3% lower than the national average.
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.
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| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $97,500 | $8,125 | $2,275 | $2,925 |
| Renters | $39,001 | $3,250 | $910 | $1,170 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Maine | 5.5% | 5.5% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Maine | 5.8% | 7.15% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Randolph, ME | 1,753 | 94 | 6.4% |
| Gardiner, ME | 5,863 | 97 | 2.9% |
| Farmingdale, ME | 2,516 | 97 | 2.6% |
| Richmond, ME | 1,788 | 99 | 1.4% |
| Winthrop, ME | 2,548 | 104 | 4.1% |
| Augusta, ME | 19,148 | 96 | 3.8% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Forest Park, OH | 19,147 | 91 | 8.9% |
| Twinsburg, OH | 19,149 | 103 | 3.4% |
| Chowchilla, CA | 19,143 | 114 | 14.4% |
| Berea, OH | 19,143 | 92 | 8.2% |
| Merrifield, VA | 19,142 | 154 | 54.3% |
| Augusta, ME | 19,148 | 96 | 3.8% |
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