Cost of Living: Augusta, GA vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Augusta

Georgia
67
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Augusta is 49% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,087/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 58%
$53,134/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 86%
$162,900 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 198%
$1,053/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 53%
201,504
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
5.8%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Augusta, GA and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $627/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $7,524/year.

Median household income is $45,552/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Augusta is $162,900 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Augusta vs Meridian — common questions

Is Augusta or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Augusta and Meridian?
Median rent in Augusta is $1,087/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $627/month.
Which city has higher income, Augusta or Meridian?
Median household income is $53,134 in Augusta and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $45,552/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Idaho?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Augusta or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Augusta has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,087/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Augusta details → View Meridian details →

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