Augusta vs Montpelier

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 $109,688 in Montpelier.

Conversely, $75,000 in Montpelier equals $51,282 in Augusta.

Living in Augusta vs Montpelier

Housing Costs

Augusta's housing index of 62 is lower Montpelier's 131, translating to median home prices of $225,000 vs $375,000. The $150,000 difference in home prices means roughly $9,756 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 Montpelier, a monthly difference of $325.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 96 in Augusta and 104 in Montpelier. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $456/month in Augusta vs $494/month in Montpelier. Augusta offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $456/year.

Utility Expenses

Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 104 in Augusta and 123 in Montpelier. Monthly utility bills average approximately $416 in Augusta vs $492 in Montpelier. 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 107 in Montpelier. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 26-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 $82,600 in Montpelier. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $69,375 and $70,598 respectively. Montpelier residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.

Relocation Considerations

Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,295/month to housing in Augusta vs $1,927/month in Montpelier. In Augusta, median rent of $1,075/mo fits within this budget. In Montpelier, median rent of $1,400/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 69 index points — focus your budget analysis there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving & Relocation Resources

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