Cost of living in Augusta vs. Columbus, GA

The prospect of moving can be incredibly daunting with so many details to consider, including finding a new job, evaluating the social scene, calculating moving expenses, and more. In this blog, we will do the hard work for you and compare the cost of living, career opportunities, climate, and activities between two great cities in Georgia – Augusta and Columbus!

Let’s dive in!

Cost of living in Columbus, GA vs. Augusta, GA

From housing to utilities, both of these Southern cities boast an affordable lifestyle.

Columbus: 7% under the national average

Your budget will thank you for moving to Columbus. Why? The cost of living in Columbus is 7% lower than the national average. Not to mention, the overall cost of housing in Columbus is 22% below the national average.

Renting in Columbus, Georgia is budget friendly, with the average rent running about $988 a month. Getting your name on a deed is also easy to do at a lower rate in Columbus, GA. The average value of a home in Columbus, GA is $163,771. That’s around $10,000 under the average value of a home in Augusta, GA. This means that homeownership is affordable in both cities, but slightly cheaper in Columbus.

Augusta: 13% under the national average

Augusta is also a very affordable city. The cost of living in Augusta is 13% lower than the national average and housing costs are 32% below the national average.

Like Columbus, renting is rather affordable, even for multi-bedroom properties – with the median rent in Augusta being $1,250 a month. Purchasing a house on a conservative budget is also feasible in Augusta. The average value of a home in Augusta, GA is $173, 416. On top of all that, you can also save on utilities. In Augusta, GA, you’ll pay 6% under the national average for utilities overall.

Career opportunities in Columbus, GA vs. Augusta, GA

We spend 40 hours a week at work – which is why you should be excited about the booming industries and opportunities in Augusta and Columbus!

Columbus: Best for military, insurance, and fintech

Columbus, GA is home to major industries including the military, healthcare, education, and finance sectors. Top employers like Synovus (a banking company), Aflac (an insurance company), and TSYS (a financial services company) are all headquartered in Columbus. In addition, Columbus is home to Fort Moore, an active military site that employs over 45,000 people (including soldiers and civilians).

Whether you’re looking to start or grow your career, there are plenty of opportunities in Columbus. The average salary is around $59,000 here, which will take you far considering the low cost of living, especially compared to nearby cities like Atlanta.

Augusta: Best for communications, cybersecurity, and healthcare

Augusta, GA has a large presence in the communications and publishing space, national cybersecurity, and the healthcare sector. There are a lot of opportunities to get involved with the government – whether it’s through cybersecurity or healthcare.

Augusta’s largest employers are the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence & Fort Gordon, NSA Augusta, Augusta University, and Augusta University Hospitals. If you’re interested in communications, Morris Communications handles everything from newspaper publishing to radio broadcasting.

In terms of income, the mean take-home hourly wage across all industries is $26.19 (which translates into an annual salary of $54,475.20).

Climate in Columbus, GA vs. Augusta, GA

Both Augusta, GA, and Columbus, GA have a traditional southern climate, with a few key differences we wanted to highlight.

Columbus: Extra sun and temperate winters

Columbus, Georgia has longer summers and shorter winters, perfect for those who love to spend their summers outdoors and avoid snow days. From May to September, the temperatures range from 72 to 92°F, with a rainy season from May to August. Winter temperatures range from 49° up to 60° in December and January.

Augusta: Warm summers and cloudy skies

You’ll want to unpack your swimsuits and put away your sunglasses in Augusta, since you’re going to be in for warm summers and clouds year-round. It is overcast to some degree for 8.9 months out of the year, which can be a gift during hot summer days.

In Augusta, summer temperatures range from 79 to 90°, while in the winter, the average temperature can fluctuate from 46 to 67°. Augusta’s summers can also get quite wet, with a 32% chance of rain on any given day.

Outdoor activities in Columbus, GA vs. Augusta, GA

Great news – there are plenty of opportunities for you and your family to get outside in both Augusta and Columbus.

Columbus: Best for riverfront experiences and hiking

Since Columbus is located on the Chattahoochee River, there are plenty of aquatic activities, from kayaking to urban whitewater rafting. Or, enjoy views of the river on a stroll through Columbus’ 15-mile RiverWalk.

If you enjoy hiking, Providence Canyon State Park, affectionately dubbed the “Little Grand Canyon” by locals, is a great place to test your physical endurance while taking in some gorgeous views. The more adventurous souls can even enjoy camping here.

Art enthusiasts should definitely check out the Columbus Art Walk, an interactive sculpture tour in Uptown Columbus. With so many great trails and parks in the city – it’s hard to select a few. Check out our full guide of Things to Do in Columbus for more ideas!

Augusta: Best for golf and wetland activities

There’s no way we can mention outdoor activities in Augusta without mentioning golf! Augusta is home to one of the most famous private golf clubs, Augusta National, as well as the Masters Tournament and 7 other public courses. Maybe you’ll even catch Tiger Woods out on the green!

Augusta has many public parks and trails – including Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, a 1,100-acre nature park used for environmental education and research, with many trails to explore the wetlands and woodlands. If you’d like to explore Augusta by boat, we’d recommend kayaking along the Augusta Canal.

Bottom line: Opportunities await in Columbus

Both Columbus and Augusta have so much to offer for those looking to either start their careers or their family.

We may be a little biased … but we think Columbus takes the cake for affordable living and job opportunities. While Augusta, GA has cornered the market on cybersecurity and overall has a lower cost of living, Columbus, GA is a larger city with more employers and career paths. Plus, homeownership is easier to achieve in Columbus than in Augusta, and that can save a lot of families and young professionals money on their mortgage and overall living expenses!

Aside from the financial benefits, Columbus offers a vibrant social scene in proximity to many exciting day trips. Go where you can afford more of what life has to offer.

If you’re ready to learn more about living in Columbus, contact us today. We’re here to help!