Augusta vs Johnson City
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Augusta
Johnson City
The Verdict
Living in Augusta costs 5.9% less than Johnson City. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in Augusta, you would need $79,688 in Johnson City.
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 $79,688 in Johnson City.
Conversely, $75,000 in Johnson City equals $70,588 in Augusta.
Living in Augusta vs Johnson City
Housing Costs
Augusta's housing index of 62 is lower Johnson City's 66, translating to median home prices of $225,000 vs $276,000. The $51,000 difference in home prices means roughly $3,312 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,075/mo in Augusta compared to $1,025/mo in Johnson City, a monthly difference of $50.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 96 in Augusta and 95 in Johnson City. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $456/month in Augusta vs $451/month in Johnson City. 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 95 in Johnson City. Monthly utility bills average approximately $416 in Augusta vs $380 in Johnson City. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 81 in Augusta and 94 in Johnson City. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 13-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 $55,400 in Johnson City. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $69,375 and $65,176 respectively. Augusta residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,295/month to housing in Augusta vs $1,293/month in Johnson City. In Augusta, median rent of $1,075/mo fits within this budget. In Johnson City, median rent of $1,025/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Healthcare, where the gap is 13 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases