Cost of Living: Augusta, GA vs Montgomery, AL (2026)

Augusta

Georgia
67
VS

Montgomery

Alabama
64

Augusta is 5% more expensive than Montgomery.

$1,087/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,059/mo ↓ 3%
$53,134/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$55,687/yr ↑ 5%
$162,900 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$148,500 ↓ 9%
$1,053/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,023/mo ↓ 3%
201,504
Population
198,440

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Augusta, GA and Montgomery, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 64 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,553/year higher in Montgomery. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Augusta is $162,900 compared to $148,500 in Montgomery.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Montgomery slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Augusta vs Montgomery — common questions

Is Augusta or Montgomery cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Augusta and Montgomery?
Median rent in Augusta is $1,087/month and in Montgomery it's $1,059/month — a difference of $28/month.
Which city has higher income, Augusta or Montgomery?
Median household income is $53,134 in Augusta and $55,687 in Montgomery. Median household income is $2,553/year higher in Montgomery.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Alabama?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Augusta or Montgomery?
It depends on your priorities. Augusta has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,087/mo, while Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with rent of $1,059/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Augusta details → View Montgomery details →

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