Moving from Augusta to Houston (2026)

Houston has a COL index of 95 vs 85 for Augusta (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 12% more for the same lifestyle.

Pay ~$194 more/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
85 โ†’ 95
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,200 โ†’ $1,350
per month
State tax
5.5% โ†’ None
income tax
COL difference
85 โ†’ 95
12% more expensive

Salary needed in Houston to match your Augusta lifestyle

Based on the 12% cost of living increase between the two cities.

Your salary in AugustaEquivalent in Houston
$40K$44,706
$50K$55,882
$60K$67,059
$75K$83,824
$80K$89,412
$100K$111,765
$120K$134,118
$150K$167,647

๐Ÿ’ต Household income (before tax)

$75K
$
$30K$300K
Pay ~$222/mo moreon core expenses at $75K

Monthly budget at $75K โ€” Augusta vs Houston

ExpenseAugustaHouston
Monthly take-home$4,397$4,741
1BR rent$1,200$1,350
Groceries$353$357
Transport$42$90
Utilities$162$175
Internet$58$65
Left after essentials$2,582$2,704

Frequently asked questions

Is Houston cheaper than Augusta?

No. Houston has a cost of living index of 95 vs 85 for Augusta (100 = US average). That's about 12% more expensive.

How much will I save moving from Augusta to Houston?

On a $75K salary, moving from Augusta to Houston saves roughly $194/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,328/year.

What salary do I need in Houston to match my Augusta lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Augusta, you'd need roughly $83,824/year in Houston. This is based on the overall COL index difference.

Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow ยท BLS ยท Numbeo ยท For general guidance only