Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Augusta, GA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Augusta

Georgia
67

Boston is 163% more expensive than Augusta.

$2,093/mo ↑ 93%
Median Rent
$1,087/mo ↓ 48%
$94,755/yr ↑ 78%
Median Income
$53,134/yr ↓ 44%
$710,400 ↑ 336%
Home Value
$162,900 ↓ 77%
$2,176/mo ↑ 107%
Owner Costs
$1,053/mo ↓ 52%
663,972
Population
201,504

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Augusta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,006/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $12,072/year.

Median household income is $41,621/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $162,900 in Augusta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Augusta — common questions

Is Boston or Augusta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Augusta?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Augusta it's $1,087/month — a difference of $1,006/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Augusta?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $53,134 in Augusta. Median household income is $41,621/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Georgia?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Augusta?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Augusta has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,087/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Augusta details →

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