CostIndexUSA

Augusta, GA vs Washington, DC Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

More AffordableGA
Augusta
91.9
overall index
$1,450/mo rent
DC
Washington
108.9
overall index
$2,325/mo rent

Augusta is significantly cheaper than Washington — 18.5% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Augusta, you would need $94,800 in Washington. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

Index values: 100 = U.S. national average. Higher = more expensive.

🏠 Housing+114.0%
Augusta
70.6
Washington
151.1
🛒 Groceries+8.8%
Augusta
96.3
Washington
104.8
🚗 Transportation+3.8%
Augusta
103.5
Washington
107.4
🏥 Healthcare+3.8%
Augusta
93.6
Washington
97.2
Utilities+19.2%
Augusta
89.5
Washington
106.7

Salary Equivalency Calculator

Enter your current salary in Augusta to see what you'd need to earn in Washington to maintain the same purchasing power.

$
Equivalent salary in Washington, DC
$94,800
$14,800 more needed in Washington

Formula: salary × (108.9 ÷ 91.9) = salary × 1.1850. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Augusta, GA

Median Home Price
$239,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,450
Housing Index
70.6
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.7×

Washington, DC

Median Home Price
$567,000
Median Monthly Rent
$2,325
Housing Index
151.1
Price-to-Rent Ratio
20.3×

Washington has 114.0% higher housing costs compared to Augusta.

Income & Job Market

Augusta, GA

Median Household Income
$67,200
Per Capita Income
$38,300
Unemployment Rate
5.3%
Population
202,081
Top Industries
MilitaryHealthcareGovernmentManufacturingEducation

Washington, DC

Median Household Income
$121,500
Per Capita Income
$69,300
Unemployment Rate
4%
Population
689,545
Top Industries
GovernmentFinanceTechnologyHealthcareDefense

Affordability at a Glance

Income-to-rent ratio: higher is better (more income relative to housing costs).

Augusta, GA
3.9×income-to-rent ratio

74% of income left after rent (median)

Washington, DC
4.4×income-to-rent ratio

77% of income left after rent (median)

Data Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities 2024; U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS); Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics; Zillow Research.

Cost indices use 100 as the U.S. national average. Values above 100 indicate costs above the national average. Data is updated annually.

This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for relocation or financial decisions.