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

Augusta

Georgia
67
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Augusta is 78% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,087/mo ↓ 64%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 175%
$53,134/yr ↓ 69%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 227%
$162,900 ↓ 89%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 838%
$1,053/mo ↓ 65%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 190%
201,504
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Augusta, GA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,898/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $22,776/year.

Median household income is $120,536/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Augusta is $162,900 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Augusta vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Augusta or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Augusta and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Augusta is $1,087/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,898/month.
Which city has higher income, Augusta or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $53,134 in Augusta and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $120,536/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Augusta has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,087/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Augusta details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

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