Augusta vs Boise
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Augusta
Boise
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 24.5%, with Augusta being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Augusta has equivalent purchasing power to $99,375 in Boise.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Augusta has the same purchasing power as $99,375 in Boise.
Conversely, $75,000 in Boise equals $56,604 in Augusta.
Living in Augusta vs Boise
Housing Costs
Augusta's housing index of 62 is lower Boise's 118, translating to median home prices of $225,000 vs $420,000. The $195,000 difference in home prices means roughly $12,672 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,075/mo in Augusta compared to $1,400/mo in Boise, a monthly difference of $325.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 96 in Augusta and 99 in Boise. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $456/month in Augusta vs $470/month in Boise. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 104 in Augusta and 89 in Boise. Monthly utility bills average approximately $416 in Augusta vs $356 in Boise. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 81 in Augusta and 98 in Boise. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 17-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $55,500 in Augusta and $60,818 in Boise. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $69,375 and $57,375 respectively. Augusta residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite lower nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,295/month to housing in Augusta vs $1,419/month in Boise. In Augusta, median rent of $1,075/mo fits within this budget. In Boise, median rent of $1,400/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 56 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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