Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Augusta, GA (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Augusta

Georgia
67

Chicago is 49% more expensive than Augusta.

$1,380/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,087/mo ↓ 21%
$75,134/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$53,134/yr ↓ 29%
$315,200 ↑ 93%
Home Value
$162,900 ↓ 48%
$1,502/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,053/mo ↓ 30%
2,707,648
Population
201,504

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Augusta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $293/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $3,516/year.

Median household income is $22,000/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $162,900 in Augusta.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Augusta — common questions

Is Chicago or Augusta 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 Chicago and Augusta?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Augusta it's $1,087/month — a difference of $293/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Augusta?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $53,134 in Augusta. Median household income is $22,000/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Georgia?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Augusta?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Augusta details →

More Comparisons

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