Cost of Living: Augusta, GA vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Augusta

Georgia
67
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

Augusta is 17% cheaper than Chattanooga.

$1,087/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↑ 6%
$53,134/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↑ 15%
$162,900 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$259,200 ↑ 59%
$1,053/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↑ 6%
201,504
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Augusta, GA and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $68/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $816/year.

Median household income is $7,894/year higher in Chattanooga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Augusta is $162,900 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

Tennessee has no state income tax, giving Chattanooga residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Augusta vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is Augusta or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 81 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Augusta and Chattanooga?
Median rent in Augusta is $1,087/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $68/month.
Which city has higher income, Augusta or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $53,134 in Augusta and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $7,894/year higher in Chattanooga.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Tennessee?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to Augusta or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. Augusta has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,087/mo, while Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,155/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Augusta details → View Chattanooga details →

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