Augusta vs Lancaster
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Augusta
Lancaster
The Verdict
Living in Augusta costs 37.5% less than Lancaster. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in Augusta, you would need $120,000 in Lancaster.
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 $120,000 in Lancaster.
Conversely, $75,000 in Lancaster equals $46,875 in Augusta.
Living in Augusta vs Lancaster
Housing Costs
Augusta's housing index of 62 is lower Lancaster's 148, translating to median home prices of $225,000 vs $447,000. The $222,000 difference in home prices means roughly $14,436 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,075/mo in Augusta compared to $1,625/mo in Lancaster, a monthly difference of $550.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 96 in Augusta and 109 in Lancaster. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $456/month in Augusta vs $518/month in Lancaster. Augusta offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $744/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 104 in Augusta and 111 in Lancaster. Monthly utility bills average approximately $416 in Augusta vs $444 in Lancaster. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 81 in Augusta and 96 in Lancaster. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 15-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 $81,500 in Lancaster. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $69,375 and $63,672 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 $1,902/month in Lancaster. In Augusta, median rent of $1,075/mo fits within this budget. In Lancaster, median rent of $1,625/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 86 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases