Augusta, GA vs Columbia, SC: Cost of Living Comparison
Augusta has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Augusta | Columbia | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 70 | 82 | Augusta |
| Housing | 47 ($761) | 70 ($811) | Augusta |
| Transportation | 107 ($3.50) | 107 ($3.50) | Tie |
| Food & groceries | 71 ($291) | 75 ($308) | Augusta |
| Utilities | 74 ($85) | 85 ($126) | Augusta |
| Healthcare | 74 ($61) | 85 ($91) | Augusta |
| Median annual wage | 99 ($48,170) | 96 ($46,490) | Columbia |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Augusta, GA or Columbia, SC cheaper to live in?
Augusta, GA is cheaper overall by about 12 index points (Augusta, GA: 70, Columbia, SC: 82; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Augusta, GA vs Columbia, SC?
A single adult needs roughly $24,500/year in Augusta, GA and $28,700/year in Columbia, SC to cover basic living costs.