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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Augusta

Georgia
67

Columbus is 24% more expensive than Augusta.

$1,224/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,087/mo ↓ 11%
$65,327/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$53,134/yr ↓ 19%
$234,500 ↑ 44%
Home Value
$162,900 ↓ 31%
$1,243/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,053/mo ↓ 15%
906,480
Population
201,504

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Augusta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $137/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $1,644/year.

Median household income is $12,193/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $162,900 in Augusta.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

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 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Augusta?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Augusta it's $1,087/month — a difference of $137/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Augusta?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $53,134 in Augusta. Median household income is $12,193/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Georgia?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Georgia has 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 83 with median rent of $1,224/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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