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

Augusta

Georgia
67
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Augusta is 61% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$1,087/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 92%
$53,134/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 83%
$162,900 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$685,000 ↑ 321%
$1,053/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 102%
201,504
Population
177,216

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Augusta, GA and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $997/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $11,964/year.

Median household income is $44,276/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Augusta is $162,900 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Augusta vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Augusta or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Augusta and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Augusta is $1,087/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $997/month.
Which city has higher income, Augusta or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $53,134 in Augusta and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $44,276/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Augusta has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,087/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Augusta details → View Santa Rosa details →

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