Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Augusta, GA (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Augusta

Georgia
67

Mesa is 60% more expensive than Augusta.

$1,478/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,087/mo ↓ 26%
$78,779/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$53,134/yr ↓ 33%
$364,300 ↑ 124%
Home Value
$162,900 ↓ 55%
$1,404/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,053/mo ↓ 25%
507,478
Population
201,504

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Augusta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $391/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $4,692/year.

Median household income is $25,645/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $162,900 in Augusta.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Augusta — common questions

Is Mesa or Augusta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Augusta?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Augusta it's $1,087/month — a difference of $391/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Augusta?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $53,134 in Augusta. Median household income is $25,645/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Georgia?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Augusta?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Augusta details →

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