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Augusta, Georgia

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

58
Overall Score

Augusta, Georgia, is a historic city situated along the Savannah River, renowned globally as the host of the Masters Golf Tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club. Founded in 1736, it blends rich antebellum heritage with a burgeoning modern identity driven by medicine, cyber technology, and higher education. Today, the city serves as a major cultural and economic hub in the CSRA (Central Savannah River Area), attracting new residents with its southern charm, relatively affordable living costs, and expanding professional opportunities.

About Georgia

Georgia, a southeastern U.S. state, is characterized by its Southern charm, diverse landscapes ranging from mountains to coastline, and a rich cultural blend of Native American, African American, and European influences. The state boasts a thriving and diverse economy with major industries including technology, manufacturing, logistics, agriculture (leading in pecans and blueberries, significant in peanuts and peaches), and a growing film and television production sector. Living in Georgia generally offers a lower cost of living compared to the national average, with mild winters and long, hot, humid summers, supporting a lifestyle that often includes abundant outdoor activities and a strong sense of community.

206,559
Population
$60K
Avg Salary
92
Cost Index
58.4
Quality Score
How this 58/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 62 / 100 62.0 30% 18.6
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 92.0 53.8 25% 13.4
Economy & jobs Median household income: $55,485 Income needed to live here: $48,000 Unemployment rate: 4.1% 59.1 20% 11.8
Growth Population growth rate: 0.8% Job growth rate: 1.9% 51.5 15% 7.7
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 68 / 100 68.0 10% 6.8
Overall score 58.4

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (ungrounded) (q=55, partial — below threshold), last refreshed 11 October 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

Businesses in Augusta

Featured local businesses in Augusta.

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Quality Scores

Business
68
Livability
73
Affordability
82
Growth
70

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Augusta remains notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive destination for budget-conscious families and professionals. Housing costs in particular track significantly below national benchmarks, allowing residents to secure more spacious properties for a fraction of what they would pay in major coastal metros. Everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and transportation also hover below typical U.S. levels, though localized utility spikes during hot summer months can impact monthly household budgets.

Average Rent
$1,350/mo
Groceries
$380/mo
Transport
$110/mo
Utilities
$175/mo
Healthcare
$220/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$40.00
Cinema ticket
$12.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$20.00
Monthly groceries
$380.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$130.00

Salary Insights

Augusta's economy is anchored by healthcare, military infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and emerging cyber security sectors. Major employers like Augusta University, the Savannah River Site, and the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence at Fort Eisenhower provide a stable base of high-paying professional and technical positions. The job market has demonstrated steady resilience, supported by ongoing federal investments and a growing regional emphasis on tech entrepreneurship and advanced industrial projects.

The average salary in Augusta is $60,000 per year. You would need approximately $48,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Retail Trade +1.20% Manufacturing +1.50% Healthcare & Social Assistance +2.60% Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services +3.10% Public Administration / Military +1.80%

Climate

🌡️
66°F
Avg Temp
☀️
90°F
Summer High
❄️
38°F
Winter Low
🌧️
37.30"
Annual Rain
💧
65.00%
Humidity
🌤️
260
Sunny Days

Transport

Getting around Augusta relies predominantly on personal vehicles, with a well-connected network of highways and bridges crossing into South Carolina. The Augusta Public Transit system provides bus services across key commercial corridors, though headways and coverage are limited compared to larger metropolitan areas. Average commute times remain short at roughly 21 to 24 minutes, reducing daily transit friction for local workers.

22 min
Avg Commute
42.00/10
Transit Score
45.00/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Average monthly rent sits near $1,350, offering high affordability compared to the national average per Zillow data.
Robust employment anchors in healthcare and military technology, including Fort Eisenhower and Augusta University.
Rich recreational lifestyle highlighted by the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area and premier year-round golfing.
Short average commute times of approximately 21 to 24 minutes reduce daily travel strain.
Lower overall cost of living indices that run notably below the U.S. average per federal economic data.
Drawbacks
Poverty rates in certain urban core districts remain higher than national averages per Census figures.
High summer temperatures and humidity levels can make outdoor activities uncomfortable during peak months.
Public transportation options are limited, resulting in high car dependency for daily commuting.
Local educational attainment metrics show lower percentages of bachelor's degrees than national benchmarks.
Property crime rates in specific pockets of the inner city require residents to maintain heightened awareness.

Questions about Augusta

What people ask about living in and moving to Augusta, Georgia.

What’s the typical rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in Augusta? Housing 1 answer

In Augusta the average rent across all unit sizes is about $1,350 per month, according to recent market data. One‑bedroom apartments in central areas tend to be close to that figure, while units farther from the core can be lower, sometimes in the $1,100‑$1,200 range. When budgeting, also consider utilities, which may add $100‑$150 monthly depending on the building and season. Checking local rental listings on region...

How does Augusta’s cost of living compare to the national average? Cost of Living 1 answer

Augusta’s cost‑of‑living index is 92, meaning it is about 8 % cheaper than the national average (which is set at 100). This lower index reflects more affordable housing, groceries, and services. While rent is around $1,350 per month, other everyday expenses such as transportation, dining, and healthcare also tend to be below national averages. Use the index as a baseline, but adjust for personal habits—if you plan to...

What’s the average salary in Augusta and which sectors are strongest? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

The average annual salary in Augusta is about $60,000. The local economy is anchored by healthcare, education, manufacturing, and a growing technology sector that includes software development, IT services, and engineering support. While $60,000 is the overall average, tech roles often command higher wages, sometimes exceeding the city average by 20‑30 %. To gauge competitiveness, review salary surveys on national jo...

How are public schools rated in Augusta? Schools & Education 1 answer

Augusta’s public schools are administered by the county school system, which provides performance data on its website. Test scores and graduation rates generally hover around state averages, with some schools performing above and others below. For elementary education, you can view school report cards, enrollment caps, and program offerings (such as STEM or arts) on the district’s portal. Visiting schools, attending...

Is Augusta a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

Augusta’s safety score is 62 out of 100, indicating moderate safety levels relative to other U.S. cities. Crime tends to be higher in certain central districts and lower in many residential neighborhoods. The city’s police department publishes annual crime statistics, which you can review to see trends for violent and property crimes. When choosing a neighborhood, look for recent community surveys, talk to local resi...

What public transportation options exist in Augusta? Getting Around 1 answer

Augusta is served by a city transit authority that operates bus routes throughout the metropolitan area, connecting downtown, residential neighborhoods, and major employment centers. Service frequencies vary, with more frequent runs during peak commuting hours. The system also offers paratransit services for those with mobility challenges. For longer trips, regional rail and intercity bus lines have stations nearby....

Are there major hospitals or clinics near downtown Augusta? Healthcare 1 answer

Augusta’s healthcare landscape includes several large hospitals and a network of clinics that provide emergency, specialty, and primary care services. Most of the major facilities are located within a short drive of the downtown core, and the city’s health department offers information on locations, specialties, and patient ratings. For routine appointments, you can search the state medical board’s provider directory...

What free or low‑cost activities are popular in Augusta? Things to Do 1 answer

Augusta offers a variety of free or inexpensive attractions, especially in the warmer months. Public parks along the river provide walking trails, picnic areas, and occasional outdoor concerts. The city’s cultural calendar includes free museum days, community festivals, and historic walking tours that showcase local heritage. You can also explore farmers’ markets, which feature local produce and crafts at modest pric...

What should I know about utilities and services when moving to Augusta? Moving Here 1 answer

When you move to Augusta, the primary utility providers for electricity and natural gas are regulated by the state public service commission; you can set up service online or by phone. Water and sewage are managed by the city’s water department, which offers online account creation and bill payment. For internet and cable, several regional providers operate in the area, offering a range of speeds and packages. It’s a...

What’s the overall quality of life like in Augusta? General 1 answer

Augusta provides a moderate cost of living, with average rent at $1,350 and a median salary of $60,000, making it affordable for many families. The city balances urban amenities—such as cultural events, dining, and healthcare—with access to outdoor recreation along the river and nearby parks. While the safety score of 62 suggests some neighborhoods require extra caution, many residential areas are considered family‑f...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Augusta? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.

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