Augusta vs Sandy
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Augusta
Sandy
The Verdict
Living in Augusta costs 37.5% less than Sandy. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in Augusta, you would need $120,000 in Sandy.
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 Sandy.
Conversely, $75,000 in Sandy equals $46,875 in Augusta.
Living in Augusta vs Sandy
Housing Costs
Augusta's housing index of 62 is lower Sandy's 189, translating to median home prices of $225,000 vs $630,000. The $405,000 difference in home prices means roughly $26,328 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,075/mo in Augusta compared to $1,725/mo in Sandy, a monthly difference of $650.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 96 in Augusta and 100 in Sandy. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $456/month in Augusta vs $475/month in Sandy. 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 88 in Sandy. Monthly utility bills average approximately $416 in Augusta vs $352 in Sandy. 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 95 in Sandy. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 14-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 $111,200 in Sandy. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $69,375 and $86,875 respectively. Sandy 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 $2,595/month in Sandy. In Augusta, median rent of $1,075/mo fits within this budget. In Sandy, median rent of $1,725/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 127 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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