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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Augusta

Georgia
67

Modesto is 79% more expensive than Augusta.

$1,609/mo ↑ 48%
Median Rent
$1,087/mo ↓ 32%
$77,899/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$53,134/yr ↓ 32%
$415,600 ↑ 155%
Home Value
$162,900 ↓ 61%
$1,613/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,053/mo ↓ 35%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Augusta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $522/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $6,264/year.

Median household income is $24,765/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $162,900 in Augusta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Augusta — common questions

Is Modesto or Augusta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Augusta?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Augusta it's $1,087/month — a difference of $522/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Augusta?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $53,134 in Augusta. Median household income is $24,765/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto or Augusta?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Augusta details →

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