Moving from Phoenix to Augusta (2026)

Augusta has a COL index of 85 vs 100 for Phoenix (100 = US average). You'd pay about 15% less for the same lifestyle.

Save ~$113/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
100 โ†’ 85
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,500 โ†’ $1,200
per month
State tax
2.5% โ†’ 5.5%
income tax
COL difference
100 โ†’ 85
15% cheaper

Salary needed in Augusta to match your Phoenix lifestyle

Based on the 15% cost of living decrease between the two cities.

Your salary in PhoenixEquivalent in Augusta
$40K$34,000
$50K$42,500
$60K$51,000
$75K$63,750
$80K$68,000
$100K$85,000
$120K$102,000
$150K$127,500

๐Ÿ’ต Household income (before tax)

$75K
$
$30K$300K
Save ~$388/moon core expenses at $75K

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

ExpensePhoenixAugusta
Monthly take-home$4,584$4,397
1BR rent$1,500$1,200
Groceries$369$353
Transport$64$42
Utilities$210$162
Internet$60$58
Left after essentials$2,381$2,582

30-Year Wealth Builder

If you invest your monthly savings of $388 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:

$473,349

over 30 years compared to staying in Phoenix โ€” that's the real price of a city.

$388/mo invested

Frequently asked questions

Is Augusta cheaper than Phoenix?

Yes. Augusta has a cost of living index of 85 vs 100 for Phoenix (100 = US average). That's about 15% cheaper.

How much will I save moving from Phoenix to Augusta?

On a $75K salary, moving from Phoenix to Augusta saves roughly $113/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,356/year.

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

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Phoenix, you'd need roughly $63,750/year in Augusta. 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