Cost of Living: Augusta, GA vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Augusta

Georgia
67
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Augusta is 28% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,087/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 21%
$53,134/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 65%
$162,900 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 76%
$1,053/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 26%
201,504
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
9.85%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Augusta, GA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $229/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $2,748/year.

Median household income is $34,633/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Augusta is $162,900 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Augusta vs Rochester — common questions

Is Augusta or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Augusta and Rochester?
Median rent in Augusta is $1,087/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $229/month.
Which city has higher income, Augusta or Rochester?
Median household income is $53,134 in Augusta and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $34,633/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Minnesota?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Augusta or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Augusta has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,087/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Augusta details → View Rochester details →

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