Cost of Living: Augusta, GA vs Richmond, CA (2026)

Augusta

Georgia
67
VS

Richmond

California
161

Augusta is 58% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,087/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 74%
$53,134/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 69%
$162,900 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 299%
$1,053/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 91%
201,504
Population
115,396

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Augusta, GA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $808/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $9,696/year.

Median household income is $36,904/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Augusta is $162,900 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Augusta vs Richmond — common questions

Is Augusta or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Augusta and Richmond?
Median rent in Augusta is $1,087/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $808/month.
Which city has higher income, Augusta or Richmond?
Median household income is $53,134 in Augusta and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $36,904/year higher in Richmond.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and California?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Augusta or Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Augusta has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,087/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Augusta details → View Richmond details →

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