Cost of Living: Irvine, CA vs Augusta, GA (2026)

Irvine

California
256
VS

Augusta

Georgia
67

Irvine is 282% more expensive than Augusta.

$2,893/mo ↑ 166%
Median Rent
$1,087/mo ↓ 62%
$129,647/yr ↑ 144%
Median Income
$53,134/yr ↓ 59%
$1,115,400 ↑ 585%
Home Value
$162,900 ↓ 85%
$2,904/mo ↑ 176%
Owner Costs
$1,053/mo ↓ 64%
308,160
Population
201,504

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.49%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Augusta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,806/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $21,672/year.

Median household income is $76,513/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $162,900 in Augusta.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Augusta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Augusta — common questions

Is Irvine or Augusta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Augusta?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Augusta it's $1,087/month — a difference of $1,806/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Augusta?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $53,134 in Augusta. Median household income is $76,513/year higher in Irvine.
How do taxes compare between California and Georgia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Irvine or Augusta?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Augusta details →

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