Augusta vs Jacksonville for Families (2026)
Scroll down for childcare estimates, home price-to-income ratios, and FAQ.
Full family cost breakdown
| Metric | Augusta Georgia | Jacksonville Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $950Better | $1,350 |
| 2BR rent / month | $1,550Better | $2,200 |
| Median home price | $220KBetter | $320K |
| Median household income | $49K | $60KBetter |
| Est. childcare / month | $1,105Better | $1,209 |
| State income tax | 5.5% | NoneBetter |
| Sales tax (combined) | 8% | 7.5%Better |
| Monthly utilities | $162Better | $190 |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 93Better | 96 |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Augusta or Jacksonville?
Augusta and Jacksonville are closely matched for families overall. Housing costs, income levels, and taxes are comparable. Your specific priorities — school quality, commute, outdoor space — should drive the decision.
What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Augusta vs Jacksonville?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $1,550/month in Augusta and $2,200/month in Jacksonville. Augusta is 30% cheaper for a family-sized apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Augusta or Jacksonville?
The price-to-income ratio in Augusta is 4.5× ($220K median home, $49K median income). In Jacksonville it's 5.3× ($320K home, $60K income). A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable — Augusta is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in Augusta vs Jacksonville?
Estimated infant/toddler childcare runs approximately $1,105/month in Augusta and $1,209/month in Jacksonville, based on national averages scaled by each city's cost-of-living index. Annual childcare cost difference: ~$1,248/year.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Augusta has a 5.5% state income tax rate vs Jacksonville has no state income tax. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, that difference is roughly $550/month in take-home pay.
$100K in Augusta has the same purchasing power as $109K in Jacksonville
Childcare estimates based on national avg scaled by COL index · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026