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

Augusta

Georgia
67
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Augusta is 19% cheaper than Athens.

$1,087/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↑ 7%
$53,134/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 3%
$162,900 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$271,800 ↑ 67%
$1,053/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↑ 10%
201,504
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Augusta, GA and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $75/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $900/year.

Median household income is $1,479/year higher in Augusta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Augusta is $162,900 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Augusta vs Athens — common questions

Is Augusta or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Augusta and Athens?
Median rent in Augusta is $1,087/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $75/month.
Which city has higher income, Augusta or Athens?
Median household income is $53,134 in Augusta and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $1,479/year higher in Augusta.
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 Augusta or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Augusta has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,087/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Augusta details → View Athens details →

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