Augusta vs Jackson
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Augusta
Jackson
The Verdict
Jackson is 8.5% less expensive than Augusta overall. A household earning $75,000 in Augusta would need approximately $69,101 in Jackson to maintain the same standard of living.
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 $69,101 in Jackson.
Conversely, $75,000 in Jackson equals $81,402 in Augusta.
Living in Augusta vs Jackson
Housing Costs
Augusta's housing index of 72 is higher Jackson's 56, translating to median home prices of $250,000 vs $125,000. The $125,000 difference in home prices means roughly $8,124 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $950/mo in Augusta compared to $900/mo in Jackson, a monthly difference of $50.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 99 in Augusta and 95 in Jackson. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $470/month in Augusta vs $451/month in Jackson. 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 86 in Jackson. Monthly utility bills average approximately $432 in Augusta vs $344 in Jackson. 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 88 in Jackson. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 26-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 $36,528 in Jackson. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $63,146 and $44,546 respectively. Augusta residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,311/month to housing in Augusta vs $852/month in Jackson. In Augusta, median rent of $950/mo fits within this budget. In Jackson, median rent of $900/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Healthcare, where the gap is 26 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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