Cost of Living: Columbus, GA vs Augusta, GA (2026)

Columbus

Georgia
69
VS

Augusta

Georgia
67

Columbus and Augusta have a similar cost of living.

$1,072/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,087/mo ↑ 1%
$56,622/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$53,134/yr ↓ 6%
$182,300 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$162,900 ↓ 11%
$1,064/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,053/mo ↓ 1%
204,383
Population
201,504

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, GA and Augusta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,488/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $182,300 compared to $162,900 in Augusta.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Georgia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Augusta — common questions

Is Columbus or Augusta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 69 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Augusta?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,072/month and in Augusta it's $1,087/month — a difference of $15/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Augusta?
Median household income is $56,622 in Columbus and $53,134 in Augusta. Median household income is $3,488/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Georgia?
Both cities are in Georgia and share the same state tax rates: 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Augusta?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,072/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 Columbus details → View Augusta details →

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