Augusta vs Aurora
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026 Data
Augusta
Aurora
💡 The Verdict
Augusta is 12% cheaper than Aurora overall. A $75,000 salary in Augusta is equivalent to $85,500 in Aurora.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values for Augusta (left) vs Aurora (right). National average = 100.
Detailed Price Comparison
Estimated item-level prices in Augusta versus Aurora. Differences shown from Augusta perspective.
| Item | Augusta | Aurora | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Rent | $790/mo | $1,070/mo | $-280.00 |
| 2-Bed Rent | $1,110/mo | $1,500/mo | $-390.00 |
| 3-Bed Rent | $1,520/mo | $2,060/mo | $-540.00 |
| Bread (loaf) | $2.64 | $3.13 | $-0.49 |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.61 | $4.45 | $-0.84 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $3.55 | $3.87 | $-0.32 |
| Coffee (latte) | $5.72 | $6.09 | $-0.37 |
| Gas (gallon) | $3.49 | $3.58 | $-0.09 |
| Restaurant Meal | $16.49 | $20.05 | $-3.56 |
💰 Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Augusta has the same purchasing power as $85,500 in Aurora.
Conversely, $75,000 in Aurora equals $65,789 in Augusta.
💼 Take-Home Pay Comparison
Estimated annual take-home pay on a $75,000 salary after federal, FICA, and state income taxes.
The $825 difference is driven by Maine having a higher state income tax rate. Maine details → · Colorado details →
Reading These Numbers: Augusta (100) vs Aurora (114)
Augusta at 100 is 0% below the US average, while Aurora at 114 is 14% above average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.
In Augusta, the composite index of 100 reflects a weighted calculation where housing carries the most influence at 86, followed by groceries (98), utilities (102), transportation (105), and healthcare (103). Costs are fairly balanced across categories.
For renters: With median rents of $1,110/mo in Augusta and $1,500/mo in Aurora, the annual rent difference is approximately $4,680.0. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $23,400.0 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.
For homebuyers: The $87,000.0 difference in median home prices between Augusta and Aurora translates to meaningful differences in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.
🔗 Related Tools
📚 Moving & Relocation Resources
Amazon affiliate links
CITY PROFILES
Making Your Decision: Augusta vs Aurora
Choosing between Augusta and Aurora involves more than just comparing index numbers. Consider how each category aligns with your personal spending patterns. If you work from home, transportation costs matter less than housing and utilities. If you eat out frequently, the groceries index may understate your actual food spending — look at the restaurant meal prices in the detailed comparison table above instead.
Beyond the numbers shown above, quality of life differences between Augusta and Aurora can meaningfully affect your financial picture in ways the index does not capture. Commute time translates to fuel costs and vehicle depreciation. Climate affects utility bills seasonally. Access to public parks and free cultural venues reduces entertainment spending. Consider these secondary financial effects alongside the direct cost comparisons when making your final decision.