Moving to a new home whether it be a new state or even a new city can be very stressful. Research is the most important part, and the biggest question is always “Is it affordable” or “How do I know if my family can afford to move here”.

Augusta Georgia falls into the top 27% as one of the most expensive cities in the world yet it is still 13% lower than the national average. A single adult should be making around $16/hr whereas a 2 adult family with three kids should be making around $38/ hr. to make it in Augusta.

Augusta combines city living with good affordability. It’s a great city for families with children, elders who want to retire into a quiet community, or college students just beginning their lives. But what is it that draws people from so many different walks of life to Augusta?

How Much Does it Cost to Live in Augusta GA?

Cost of living refers to more than just houses, it takes into consideration home costs, groceries, utilities, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses. To decide how much it costs to live here we have to look into each category first. 

Home Cost

The average home in Augusta GA costs around $231,000 whereas the median cost for Georgia is $186,500. This means that Augusta ends up being cheaper than the state average in this aspect.

Groceries

Buying food for your family is a major necessity and if you are a large family with several mouths to feed this will surely impact you more than if you are a single college student eating mostly ramen, but that chapter in your life won’t last forever so it’s always good to plan. Food costs in Augusta tend to run about 5% less than the national average but that will still cost you roughly $300/month per person.

Utilities

Electricity, HVAC, water, and trash collection are all things that have to be considered in the cost of living. Augusta unfortunately takes a loss here as utilities tend to be on the higher side. This is mainly because of high AC use the majority of the year. A small apartment will cost you about $184.66/month on utilities alone. 

Transportation

While a vast number of people are working from home, fuel and other transportation costs have to be added into the mix for a true cost of living. Augusta finds itself on the higher end for the cost of fuel, however, the majority of commutes are very short due to the metro-style city. Most people will find themselves traveling about 30-minutes one way for their job. 

Miscellaneous Expenses

These costs will vary greatly for each family but consist of phone bills, childcare, clothing, and taxes. Augusta ends up just barely making it below the national average here so depending on your needs this section could go on either side of your pro or con list. 

In short, many things make up the cost of living definition. Augusta does run cheaper in many aspects but the average monthly living cost for a single college student is about $1,700 or $3,323 for a large family of 4.

Best Areas in Augusta GA to Live

Augusta Georgia is made up of several smaller locations, each of them having its styles and being uniquely different.

  • West Side – Only about 2 miles from the city is this quaint family-style location full of working-class families. The cost of living is slightly higher than the Augusta average here but it is perfect for families with children or those planning to have children due to the high number of students and a large community bond.
  • Evans – Advertised as “the best place to retire” Evans is located about 2 miles from Augusta and is packed full of history! This location is full of beautiful scenery and gorgeous parks to enjoy your golden years. Evans does fall 4% higher in terms of cost of living but if you can afford it, it is worth it!
  • North Augusta, SC – While this city is located in South Carolina it is only minutes from Augusta and is the best choice for students. The Aiken School District is the 6th largest school district in South Carolina and is highly commended for its quality of education. 

There are so many factors that go into choosing where to put down roots but looking into how expensive an area is the most important. 

Final Thoughts

So, Is it expensive to live in Augusta GA? Most of the city ranks lower than average with plenty of neighborhood options to fit every family’s needs. Whether you are moving for schools, retirement, or starting a family Augusta GA has a place for everyone.