Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Augusta, GA (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Augusta

Georgia
67

Atlanta is 82% more expensive than Augusta.

$1,617/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$1,087/mo ↓ 33%
$81,938/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$53,134/yr ↓ 35%
$420,600 ↑ 158%
Home Value
$162,900 ↓ 61%
$1,695/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$1,053/mo ↓ 38%
499,287
Population
201,504

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Augusta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $530/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $6,360/year.

Median household income is $28,804/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $162,900 in Augusta.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Georgia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Augusta — common questions

Is Atlanta or Augusta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Augusta?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Augusta it's $1,087/month — a difference of $530/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Augusta?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $53,134 in Augusta. Median household income is $28,804/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Georgia?
Both cities are in Georgia and share the same state tax rates: 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Augusta?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while Augusta has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,087/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Atlanta details → View Augusta details →

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