Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Augusta, GA (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Augusta

Georgia
67

Scottsdale is 146% more expensive than Augusta.

$1,910/mo ↑ 76%
Median Rent
$1,087/mo ↓ 43%
$107,372/yr ↑ 102%
Median Income
$53,134/yr ↓ 51%
$709,900 ↑ 336%
Home Value
$162,900 ↓ 77%
$1,824/mo ↑ 73%
Owner Costs
$1,053/mo ↓ 42%
242,169
Population
201,504

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Augusta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $823/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $9,876/year.

Median household income is $54,238/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $162,900 in Augusta.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Augusta — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Augusta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Augusta?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Augusta it's $1,087/month — a difference of $823/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Augusta?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $53,134 in Augusta. Median household income is $54,238/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Georgia?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Augusta?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Augusta details →

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