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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Augusta

Georgia
67

Durham is 57% more expensive than Augusta.

$1,412/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,087/mo ↓ 23%
$79,234/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$53,134/yr ↓ 33%
$355,300 ↑ 118%
Home Value
$162,900 ↓ 54%
$1,434/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,053/mo ↓ 27%
288,465
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

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Augusta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $325/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $3,900/year.

Median household income is $26,100/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $162,900 in Augusta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Augusta — common questions

Is Durham or Augusta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Augusta?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Augusta it's $1,087/month — a difference of $325/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Augusta?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $53,134 in Augusta. Median household income is $26,100/year higher in Durham.
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 Durham or Augusta?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Augusta details →

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