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

Augusta

Georgia
67
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Augusta is 71% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,087/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 120%
$53,134/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 107%
$162,900 ↓ 85%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 547%
$1,053/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 134%
201,504
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Augusta, GA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,308/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $15,696/year.

Median household income is $56,939/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Augusta is $162,900 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Augusta vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Augusta or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Augusta and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Augusta is $1,087/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,308/month.
Which city has higher income, Augusta or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $53,134 in Augusta and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $56,939/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Augusta has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,087/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Augusta details → View Costa Mesa details →

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