Cost of Living: Augusta, GA vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Augusta

Georgia
67
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Augusta is 44% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,087/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 47%
$53,134/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↑ 43%
$162,900 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 143%
$1,053/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 59%
201,504
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Augusta, GA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $516/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $6,192/year.

Median household income is $23,071/year higher in Lowell. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Augusta is $162,900 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Augusta vs Lowell — common questions

Is Augusta or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Augusta and Lowell?
Median rent in Augusta is $1,087/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $516/month.
Which city has higher income, Augusta or Lowell?
Median household income is $53,134 in Augusta and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $23,071/year higher in Lowell.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Massachusetts?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Augusta or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Augusta has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,087/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Augusta details → View Lowell details →

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