Augusta vs Sarasota
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Augusta
Sarasota
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 20.5%, with Augusta being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Augusta has equivalent purchasing power to $94,382 in Sarasota.
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 Sarasota.
Conversely, $75,000 in Sarasota equals $59,598 in Augusta.
Living in Augusta vs Sarasota
Housing Costs
Augusta's housing index of 72 is lower Sarasota's 132, 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 $1,800/mo in Sarasota, a monthly difference of $850.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 99 in Augusta and 104 in Sarasota. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $470/month in Augusta vs $494/month in Sarasota. 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 95 in Sarasota. Monthly utility bills average approximately $432 in Augusta vs $380 in Sarasota. 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 97 in Sarasota. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 17-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 $52,147 in Sarasota. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $63,146 and $46,560 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 $1,217/month in Sarasota. In Augusta, median rent of $950/mo fits within this budget. In Sarasota, median rent of $1,800/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 60 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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