Cost of Living: Augusta, GA vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Augusta

Georgia
67
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Augusta is 47% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,087/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 76%
$53,134/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 76%
$162,900 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 143%
$1,053/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 51%
201,504
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Augusta, GA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $830/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $9,960/year.

Median household income is $40,237/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Augusta is $162,900 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Augusta vs Surprise — common questions

Is Augusta or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Augusta and Surprise?
Median rent in Augusta is $1,087/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $830/month.
Which city has higher income, Augusta or Surprise?
Median household income is $53,134 in Augusta and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $40,237/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Arizona?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Augusta or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Augusta has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,087/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Augusta details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Augusta and Surprise

Augusta vs. McKinney Augusta vs. Oxnard Augusta vs. Little Rock Augusta vs. Amarillo Augusta vs. Salt Lake City Augusta vs. Tallahassee Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite