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

Augusta

Georgia
67
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Augusta is 18% cheaper than Lakeland.

$1,087/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 20%
$53,134/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↑ 15%
$162,900 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$229,100 ↑ 41%
$1,053/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↑ 9%
201,504
Population
117,030

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Augusta, GA and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $212/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $2,544/year.

Median household income is $7,813/year higher in Lakeland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Augusta is $162,900 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Augusta vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Augusta or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 82 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Augusta and Lakeland?
Median rent in Augusta is $1,087/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $212/month.
Which city has higher income, Augusta or Lakeland?
Median household income is $53,134 in Augusta and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $7,813/year higher in Lakeland.
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 Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Augusta has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,087/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Augusta details → View Lakeland details →

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