Cost of Living in Augusta-Richmond County, GA

Population 201,504 · Georgia · Data vintage 2023

65
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Augusta-Richmond County lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $163,000 — 47% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Georgia. A poverty rate near 21% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.

Cost Overview

Housing 53
Rent 83

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Augusta-Richmond County

The median home value in Augusta-Richmond County is $162,900 — 47% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,087/month, 17% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $53,134/year is 29% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. Georgia's top state income tax rate is 5.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.3%. The climate averages highs of 77.8°F and lows of 53.0°F. Overall, Augusta-Richmond County has a cost of living index of 65 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 35% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$162,900
47% below avg
Median Rent
$1,087/mo
17% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
12.5x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.9%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$773
1 BR
$817
2 BR
$984
3 BR
$1,289
4 BR
$1,520
Owner-occupied 51.0%
Renter-occupied 49.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,087
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,701/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
22.1 min
18% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
75.7%
Carpooled
7.5%
Public transit
1.6%
Walked
2.4%
Bicycle
0.1%
Work from home
8.3%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 5.5%
Total Sales Tax 7.3%
State rate 4.0%
Avg local rate 3.4%
Property Tax 0.9%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$53,134
29% below avg
Per Capita Income
$30,230
Unemployment Rate
7.9%
64% above avg
Poverty Rate
21.1%
Labor Force Participation
62.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 14.7%
Graduate degree 9.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 34.9
Male median age 32.4
Female median age 36.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
77.8°F
Avg Low
53.0°F
Annual Precip
44.1"
Annual Snowfall
0.8"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 606471798691949388796962
Low °F 353844516068727165534237
Precip" 3.843.674.082.923.054.754.484.613.602.562.663.87
Snow" 0.40.30.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.1

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 51 — Moderate
46.6%
Good air days/yr
93
Max AQI recorded
307
PM2.5 days
58
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Augusta-Richmond County, GA?

Augusta-Richmond County has a cost index of 65 (100 = national average). It is 35% below the national average.

What is average rent in Augusta-Richmond County, GA?

The median gross rent in Augusta-Richmond County is $1,087 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Augusta-Richmond County?

The median home value in Augusta-Richmond County is $162,900 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Augusta-Richmond County?

The median household income in Augusta-Richmond County is $53,134 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Augusta-Richmond County, GA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Augusta-Richmond County is 7.3%. The Georgia state income tax top rate is 5.5%.

Is Augusta-Richmond County, GA affordable?

Yes, Augusta-Richmond County is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 65 — about 35% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Augusta-Richmond County?

Augusta-Richmond County has average high temperatures of 77.8°F and average lows of 53.0°F. Annual precipitation is 44.1". Average annual snowfall is 0.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Augusta-Richmond County at a Glance

Population
201,504
Median Income
$53,134
Home Value
$162,900
Median Rent
$1,087/mo
Unemployment
7.9%
Avg High Temp
77.8°F
Sales Tax
7.3%
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