Augusta vs Roanoke
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Augusta
Roanoke
The Verdict
Augusta is 1.2% less expensive than Roanoke overall. A household earning $75,000 in Augusta would need approximately $75,938 in Roanoke to maintain the same standard of living.
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 $75,938 in Roanoke.
Conversely, $75,000 in Roanoke equals $74,074 in Augusta.
Living in Augusta vs Roanoke
Housing Costs
Augusta's housing index of 62 is higher Roanoke's 57, translating to median home prices of $225,000 vs $225,000. The $0 difference in home prices means roughly $0 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,075/mo in Augusta compared to $1,075/mo in Roanoke, a monthly difference of $0.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 96 in Augusta and 97 in Roanoke. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $456/month in Augusta vs $461/month in Roanoke. 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 116 in Roanoke. Monthly utility bills average approximately $416 in Augusta vs $464 in Roanoke. 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 91 in Roanoke. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 10-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 $52,700 in Roanoke. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $69,375 and $65,062 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 $1,230/month in Roanoke. In Augusta, median rent of $1,075/mo fits within this budget. In Roanoke, median rent of $1,075/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 12 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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