Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Augusta, GA (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Augusta

Georgia
67

Salt Lake City is 50% more expensive than Augusta.

$1,343/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,087/mo ↓ 19%
$74,925/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$53,134/yr ↓ 29%
$495,700 ↑ 204%
Home Value
$162,900 ↓ 67%
$1,394/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,053/mo ↓ 24%
203,888
Population
201,504

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.1%
Sales Tax
4.0%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Augusta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $256/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $3,072/year.

Median household income is $21,791/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $162,900 in Augusta.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Augusta — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Augusta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Augusta?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Augusta it's $1,087/month — a difference of $256/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Augusta?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $53,134 in Augusta. Median household income is $21,791/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Georgia?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Augusta?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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.
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