Cost of Living: Augusta, GA vs Cary, NC (2026)

Augusta

Georgia
67
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Augusta is 50% cheaper than Cary.

$1,087/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 49%
$53,134/yr ↓ 59%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 144%
$162,900 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 222%
$1,053/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 66%
201,504
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Augusta, GA and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $534/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $6,408/year.

Median household income is $76,265/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Augusta is $162,900 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Augusta vs Cary — common questions

Is Augusta or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Augusta and Cary?
Median rent in Augusta is $1,087/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $534/month.
Which city has higher income, Augusta or Cary?
Median household income is $53,134 in Augusta and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $76,265/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and North Carolina?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Augusta or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Augusta has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,087/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Augusta details → View Cary details →

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