Augusta vs Tempe
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Augusta
Tempe
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 24.5%, with Augusta being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Augusta has equivalent purchasing power to $99,375 in Tempe.
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 $99,375 in Tempe.
Conversely, $75,000 in Tempe equals $56,604 in Augusta.
Living in Augusta vs Tempe
Housing Costs
Augusta's housing index of 62 is lower Tempe's 114, translating to median home prices of $225,000 vs $400,000. The $175,000 difference in home prices means roughly $11,376 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,075/mo in Augusta compared to $1,600/mo in Tempe, a monthly difference of $525.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 96 in Augusta and 100 in Tempe. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $456/month in Augusta vs $475/month in Tempe. 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 96 in Tempe. Monthly utility bills average approximately $416 in Augusta vs $384 in Tempe. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 81 in Augusta and 95 in Tempe. 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 $56,068 in Tempe. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $69,375 and $52,894 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 $1,308/month in Tempe. In Augusta, median rent of $1,075/mo fits within this budget. In Tempe, median rent of $1,600/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 52 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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