Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Augusta, GA (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Augusta

Georgia
67

Houston is 31% more expensive than Augusta.

$1,313/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,087/mo ↓ 17%
$62,894/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$53,134/yr ↓ 16%
$253,400 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$162,900 ↓ 36%
$1,316/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,053/mo ↓ 20%
2,300,419
Population
201,504

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Augusta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $226/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $2,712/year.

Median household income is $9,760/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $162,900 in Augusta.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Houston residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Augusta — common questions

Is Houston or Augusta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Augusta?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Augusta it's $1,087/month — a difference of $226/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Augusta?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $53,134 in Augusta. Median household income is $9,760/year higher in Houston.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Georgia?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Augusta?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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 Houston details → View Augusta details →

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