Cost of Living: Augusta, GA vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Augusta

Georgia
67
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Augusta is 73% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,087/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 96%
$53,134/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 104%
$162,900 ↓ 88%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 729%
$1,053/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 122%
201,504
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Augusta, GA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,040/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $12,480/year.

Median household income is $55,424/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Augusta is $162,900 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Augusta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Augusta vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Augusta or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Augusta and Berkeley?
Median rent in Augusta is $1,087/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $1,040/month.
Which city has higher income, Augusta or Berkeley?
Median household income is $53,134 in Augusta and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $55,424/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and California?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Augusta or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Augusta has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,087/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Augusta details → View Berkeley details →

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