Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Augusta, GA (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Augusta

Georgia
67

Memphis and Augusta have a similar cost of living.

$1,123/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,087/mo ↓ 3%
$51,211/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$53,134/yr ↑ 4%
$157,100 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$162,900 ↑ 4%
$1,087/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,053/mo ↓ 3%
629,063
Population
201,504

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
5.49%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.64%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Augusta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,923/year higher in Augusta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $162,900 in Augusta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Augusta — common questions

Is Memphis or Augusta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 68 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Augusta?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Augusta it's $1,087/month — a difference of $36/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Augusta?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $53,134 in Augusta. Median household income is $1,923/year higher in Augusta.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Georgia?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Augusta?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/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 Memphis details → View Augusta details →

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