$120K in Augusta = $142,588 in Raleigh
Your $120K salary in Augusta (COL 85) has the same purchasing power as $142,588 in Raleigh (COL 101). Raleigh is more expensive — you'd need 19% more to maintain the same lifestyle.
Budget breakdown — $120K in both cities
What $120K actually buys you in each city after taxes and core expenses.
| Expense | Augusta $120K | Raleigh $120K (same salary) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $6,605 | $6,705 |
| 1BR rent | $1,200 | $1,700 |
| Groceries | $353 | $365 |
| Transport | $42 | $70 |
| Utilities | $162 | $150 |
| Internet | $58 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $4,790/month | $4,360/month |
Frequently asked questions
What is $120K in Augusta equivalent to in Raleigh?
$120K in Augusta (COL index 85) has the same purchasing power as $142,588 in Raleigh (COL index 101). That's 19% more than your current salary.
If I move from Augusta to Raleigh keeping my $120K salary, will I be better off?
Not necessarily. Core expenses in Raleigh are higher, so on the same $120K salary you'd have $430 less per month. You'd need to earn $142,588 to maintain the same standard of living.
How is the salary equivalent calculated?
The equivalent salary is calculated by multiplying your current salary by the ratio of the two cities' overall cost of living indices: $120K × (101 ÷ 85) = $142,588. This adjusts for differences in housing, food, transport, and general cost of living.
Other salary amounts — Augusta to Raleigh
Equivalency uses overall COL index ratio. Take-home uses simplified federal/state brackets. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only