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

Charlotte

North Carolina
108
VS

Augusta

Georgia
67

Charlotte is 61% more expensive than Augusta.

$1,504/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,087/mo ↓ 28%
$78,438/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$53,134/yr ↓ 32%
$351,500 ↑ 116%
Home Value
$162,900 ↓ 54%
$1,487/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,053/mo ↓ 29%
886,283
Population
201,504

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charlotte, NC and Augusta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 108 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $417/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $5,004/year.

Median household income is $25,304/year higher in Charlotte. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charlotte is $351,500 compared to $162,900 in Augusta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charlotte vs Augusta — common questions

Is Charlotte or Augusta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charlotte and Augusta?
Median rent in Charlotte is $1,504/month and in Augusta it's $1,087/month — a difference of $417/month.
Which city has higher income, Charlotte or Augusta?
Median household income is $78,438 in Charlotte and $53,134 in Augusta. Median household income is $25,304/year higher in Charlotte.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Georgia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Charlotte or Augusta?
It depends on your priorities. Charlotte has a cost index of 108 with median rent of $1,504/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 Charlotte details → View Augusta details →

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