Cost of Living in Augusta, GA
Augusta is about 14% cheaper than the national average.
What Things Cost
Compared to the US average (100)
Census ACS 2024
Census ACS 2024
BEA RPP 2023
BEA RPP 2023
Augusta at a Glance
On the median income of $58,803, state income tax is roughly $3,169/year.
Sources: Census ACS 2024, Tax Foundation.
Augusta is known globally for one week each April when the Masters Tournament transforms the city. The other 51 weeks, it is a deeply affordable city on the Savannah River with a military economy (Fort Eisenhower, formerly Fort Gordon) and growing cybersecurity sector. The cost of living is about 15.5% below the national average. The median home price of roughly $180,000 makes homeownership accessible on modest incomes.
How People Get Around
Source: Census ACS 2024.
Who Lives Here
Source: Census ACS 2024.
Why People Move to Augusta
The Army Cyber Center of Excellence at Fort Eisenhower has made Augusta a national hub for cybersecurity, bringing high-paying tech jobs to an affordable market. The Augusta Riverwalk provides waterfront recreation. The medical sector (Augusta University Medical Center) is the region's largest healthcare provider. The Masters brings global prestige and tourism revenue.
Neighborhoods
Summerville (the Hill) is the affluent historic area. Downtown is being revitalized along the Riverwalk. West Augusta has newer development near Fort Eisenhower. Evans and Martinez in Columbia County offer family suburbs with good schools. North Augusta, SC is across the river with a different state's tax structure.
Things to Consider
The economy is concentrated around military and healthcare. Cultural amenities are limited outside of Masters week. Some neighborhoods have significant poverty. Summer heat and humidity are intense. The city does not have the food scene or creative culture of Savannah or Atlanta.
Frequently Asked Questions About Augusta
Very. About 15.5% below the national average. Median homes at $203,100 make homeownership accessible. The military and cybersecurity jobs pay well above the local cost of living, creating strong purchasing power.
Fort Eisenhower (formerly Fort Gordon) houses the Army Cyber Center of Excellence, making Augusta one of the most important cyber command centers in the US military. This has attracted defense contractors and tech companies, creating high-paying jobs in an affordable market.
The Masters dominates one week per year and brings global attention. The rest of the year, Augusta is a mid-size Southern city with a military economy, healthcare sector, and growing tech presence. The golf reputation creates tourism revenue but does not define daily life for most residents.