Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Augusta, GA (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Augusta

Georgia
67

Philadelphia is 27% more expensive than Augusta.

$1,323/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,087/mo ↓ 18%
$60,698/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$53,134/yr ↓ 12%
$232,400 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$162,900 ↓ 30%
$1,233/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,053/mo ↓ 15%
1,582,432
Population
201,504

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Augusta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $236/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $2,832/year.

Median household income is $7,564/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $162,900 in Augusta.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Augusta — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Augusta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Augusta?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Augusta it's $1,087/month — a difference of $236/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Augusta?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $53,134 in Augusta. Median household income is $7,564/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Georgia?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Augusta?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View Augusta details →

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