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

Augusta

Georgia
67
VS

Knoxville

Tennessee
74

Augusta is 9% cheaper than Knoxville.

$1,087/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,116/mo ↑ 3%
$53,134/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$50,994/yr ↓ 4%
$162,900 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$214,000 ↑ 31%
$1,053/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,075/mo ↑ 2%
201,504
Population
193,721

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
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Augusta, GA and Knoxville, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,140/year higher in Augusta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Augusta is $162,900 compared to $214,000 in Knoxville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Augusta vs Knoxville — common questions

Is Augusta or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Augusta and Knoxville?
Median rent in Augusta is $1,087/month and in Knoxville it's $1,116/month — a difference of $29/month.
Which city has higher income, Augusta or Knoxville?
Median household income is $53,134 in Augusta and $50,994 in Knoxville. Median household income is $2,140/year higher in Augusta.
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 Knoxville?
It depends on your priorities. Augusta has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,087/mo, while Knoxville has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,116/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Augusta details → View Knoxville details →

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