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

Augusta

Georgia
67
VS

Gainesville

Florida
81

Augusta is 17% cheaper than Gainesville.

$1,087/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,214/mo ↑ 12%
$53,134/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$45,611/yr ↓ 14%
$162,900 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$235,000 ↑ 44%
$1,053/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,167/mo ↑ 11%
201,504
Population
143,611

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
31.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Augusta, GA and Gainesville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $127/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $1,524/year.

Median household income is $7,523/year higher in Augusta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Augusta is $162,900 compared to $235,000 in Gainesville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Augusta vs Gainesville — common questions

Is Augusta or Gainesville 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 Gainesville?
Median rent in Augusta is $1,087/month and in Gainesville it's $1,214/month — a difference of $127/month.
Which city has higher income, Augusta or Gainesville?
Median household income is $53,134 in Augusta and $45,611 in Gainesville. Median household income is $7,523/year higher in Augusta.
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 Gainesville?
It depends on your priorities. Augusta has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,087/mo, while Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Augusta details → View Gainesville details →

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