Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Augusta, GA (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Augusta

Georgia
67

Richmond is 46% more expensive than Augusta.

$1,314/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,087/mo ↓ 17%
$62,671/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$53,134/yr ↓ 15%
$328,100 ↑ 101%
Home Value
$162,900 ↓ 50%
$1,374/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,053/mo ↓ 23%
227,595
Population
201,504

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Augusta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $227/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $2,724/year.

Median household income is $9,537/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $162,900 in Augusta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Augusta — common questions

Is Richmond or Augusta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Augusta?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Augusta it's $1,087/month — a difference of $227/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Augusta?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $53,134 in Augusta. Median household income is $9,537/year higher in Richmond.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Georgia?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Richmond or Augusta?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Augusta details →

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