Augusta vs Surprise
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Augusta
Surprise
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 22.3%, with Augusta being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Augusta has equivalent purchasing power to $96,563 in Surprise.
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 $96,563 in Surprise.
Conversely, $75,000 in Surprise equals $58,252 in Augusta.
Living in Augusta vs Surprise
Housing Costs
Augusta's housing index of 62 is lower Surprise's 105, translating to median home prices of $225,000 vs $419,000. The $194,000 difference in home prices means roughly $12,612 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,075/mo in Augusta compared to $1,575/mo in Surprise, a monthly difference of $500.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 96 in Augusta and 100 in Surprise. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $456/month in Augusta vs $475/month in Surprise. 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 102 in Surprise. Monthly utility bills average approximately $416 in Augusta vs $408 in Surprise. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 81 in Augusta and 97 in Surprise. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 16-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 $85,500 in Surprise. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $69,375 and $83,010 respectively. Surprise 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 $1,995/month in Surprise. In Augusta, median rent of $1,075/mo fits within this budget. In Surprise, median rent of $1,575/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 43 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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