Augusta vs Boise

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 $89,326 in Boise.

Conversely, $75,000 in Boise equals $62,972 in Augusta.

Living in Augusta vs Boise

Housing Costs

Augusta's housing index of 72 is lower Boise's 118, translating to median home prices of $250,000 vs $420,000. The $170,000 difference in home prices means roughly $11,052 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $950/mo in Augusta compared to $1,400/mo in Boise, a monthly difference of $450.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 99 in Augusta and 99 in Boise. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $470/month in Augusta vs $470/month in Boise. 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 108 in Augusta and 89 in Boise. Monthly utility bills average approximately $432 in Augusta vs $356 in Boise. 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 114 in Augusta and 98 in Boise. 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 $56,200 in Augusta and $60,818 in Boise. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $63,146 and $57,375 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 $1,311/month to housing in Augusta vs $1,419/month in Boise. In Augusta, median rent of $950/mo fits within this budget. In Boise, median rent of $1,400/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 46 index points — focus your budget analysis there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving & Relocation Resources

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