Augusta vs Modesto
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Augusta
Modesto
The Verdict
Living in Augusta costs 20.5% less than Modesto. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in Augusta, you would need $94,382 in Modesto.
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 $94,382 in Modesto.
Conversely, $75,000 in Modesto equals $59,598 in Augusta.
Living in Augusta vs Modesto
Housing Costs
Augusta's housing index of 72 is lower Modesto's 121, translating to median home prices of $250,000 vs $380,000. The $130,000 difference in home prices means roughly $8,448 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $950/mo in Augusta compared to $1,400/mo in Modesto, a monthly difference of $450.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 99 in Augusta and 100 in Modesto. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $470/month in Augusta vs $475/month in Modesto. 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 108 in Modesto. Monthly utility bills average approximately $432 in Augusta vs $432 in Modesto. Utility costs are relatively comparable between these two cities.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 114 in Augusta and 100 in Modesto. 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 $56,200 in Augusta and $55,138 in Modesto. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $63,146 and $49,230 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 $1,287/month in Modesto. In Augusta, median rent of $950/mo fits within this budget. In Modesto, median rent of $1,400/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 49 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases