Cost of Living: Augusta-Richmond County consolidated government (balance), Georgia, GA vs Birmingham, AL (2026)

Augusta-Richmond County consolidated government (balance), Georgia

Georgia
67
VS

Birmingham

Alabama
62

Augusta-Richmond County consolidated government (balance), Georgia is 5% more expensive than Birmingham.

$1,087/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,047/mo ↓ 4%
$53,134/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$44,376/yr ↓ 16%
$162,900 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$138,600 ↓ 15%
$1,053/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$991/mo ↓ 6%
201,504
Population
199,322

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
5.0%
4.0%
Sales Tax
4.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Augusta-Richmond County consolidated government (balance), Georgia, GA and Birmingham, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 62 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,758/year higher in Augusta-Richmond County consolidated government (balance), Georgia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Augusta-Richmond County consolidated government (balance), Georgia is $162,900 compared to $138,600 in Birmingham.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Birmingham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Augusta-Richmond County consolidated government (balance), Georgia vs Birmingham — common questions

Is Augusta-Richmond County consolidated government (balance), Georgia or Birmingham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Augusta-Richmond County consolidated government (balance), Georgia and Birmingham?
Median rent in Augusta-Richmond County consolidated government (balance), Georgia is $1,087/month and in Birmingham it's $1,047/month — a difference of $40/month.
Which city has higher income, Augusta-Richmond County consolidated government (balance), Georgia or Birmingham?
Median household income is $53,134 in Augusta-Richmond County consolidated government (balance), Georgia and $44,376 in Birmingham. Median household income is $8,758/year higher in Augusta-Richmond County consolidated government (balance), Georgia.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Alabama?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Augusta-Richmond County consolidated government (balance), Georgia or Birmingham?
It depends on your priorities. Augusta-Richmond County consolidated government (balance), Georgia has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,087/mo, while Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with rent of $1,047/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Augusta-Richmond County consolidated government (balance), Georgia details → View Birmingham details →