Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Augusta, GA (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Augusta

Georgia
67

Raleigh is 64% more expensive than Augusta.

$1,468/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,087/mo ↓ 26%
$82,424/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$53,134/yr ↓ 36%
$377,800 ↑ 132%
Home Value
$162,900 ↓ 57%
$1,487/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,053/mo ↓ 29%
470,763
Population
201,504

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Augusta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $381/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $4,572/year.

Median household income is $29,290/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $162,900 in Augusta.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Augusta — common questions

Is Raleigh or Augusta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Augusta?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Augusta it's $1,087/month — a difference of $381/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Augusta?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $53,134 in Augusta. Median household income is $29,290/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Georgia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Augusta?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Augusta details →

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