Cost of Living: Augusta, GA vs Billings, MT (2026)

Augusta

Georgia
67
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Augusta is 22% cheaper than Billings.

$1,087/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ≈ Same
$53,134/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↑ 35%
$162,900 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 91%
$1,053/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↑ 12%
201,504
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
6.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Augusta, GA and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $18,721/year higher in Billings. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Augusta is $162,900 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Augusta vs Billings — common questions

Is Augusta or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 86 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Augusta and Billings?
Median rent in Augusta is $1,087/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $10/month.
Which city has higher income, Augusta or Billings?
Median household income is $53,134 in Augusta and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $18,721/year higher in Billings.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Montana?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Augusta or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Augusta has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,087/mo, while Billings has a cost index of 86 with rent of $1,097/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Augusta details → View Billings details →

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