$120K in Philadelphia = $95,327 in Augusta
Your $120K salary in Philadelphia (COL 107) has the same purchasing power as $95,327 in Augusta (COL 85). Augusta is cheaper — your money goes 21% further there.
Budget breakdown — $120K in both cities
What $120K actually buys you in each city after taxes and core expenses.
| Expense | Philadelphia $120K | Augusta $120K (same salary) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $6,845 | $6,605 |
| 1BR rent | $2,000 | $1,200 |
| Groceries | $391 | $353 |
| Transport | $96 | $42 |
| Utilities | $160 | $162 |
| Internet | $65 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $4,133/month | $4,790/month |
Frequently asked questions
What is $120K in Philadelphia equivalent to in Augusta?
$120K in Philadelphia (COL index 107) has the same purchasing power as $95,327 in Augusta (COL index 85). That's 21% less than your current salary.
If I move from Philadelphia to Augusta keeping my $120K salary, will I be better off?
Yes. If you keep earning $120K after moving to Augusta, you'd have $657 more per month after core expenses — because Augusta is cheaper than Philadelphia.
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 × (85 ÷ 107) = $95,327. This adjusts for differences in housing, food, transport, and general cost of living.
Other salary amounts — Philadelphia to Augusta
Equivalency uses overall COL index ratio. Take-home uses simplified federal/state brackets. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only