Cost of Living: Augusta, GA vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Augusta

Georgia
67
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Augusta is 33% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,087/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 21%
$53,134/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 20%
$162,900 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 115%
$1,053/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 30%
201,504
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Augusta, GA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $224/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $2,688/year.

Median household income is $10,766/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Augusta is $162,900 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Augusta vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Augusta or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Augusta and Wilmington?
Median rent in Augusta is $1,087/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $224/month.
Which city has higher income, Augusta or Wilmington?
Median household income is $53,134 in Augusta and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $10,766/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and North Carolina?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Augusta or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Augusta has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,087/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Augusta details → View Wilmington details →

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