Cost of Living: Augusta, GA vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Augusta

Georgia
67
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Augusta is 36% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,087/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 42%
$53,134/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 21%
$162,900 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 100%
$1,053/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 34%
201,504
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Augusta, GA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $452/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $5,424/year.

Median household income is $11,306/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Augusta is $162,900 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Augusta vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Augusta or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Augusta and Clearwater?
Median rent in Augusta is $1,087/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $452/month.
Which city has higher income, Augusta or Clearwater?
Median household income is $53,134 in Augusta and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $11,306/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Florida?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Augusta or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Augusta has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,087/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Augusta details → View Clearwater details →

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