Moving from Chicago to Augusta (2026)
Augusta has a COL index of 85 vs 107 for Chicago (100 = US average). You'd pay about 21% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Augusta to match your Chicago lifestyle
Based on the 21% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Chicago | Equivalent in Augusta |
|---|---|
| $40K | $31,776 |
| $50K | $39,720 |
| $60K | $47,664 |
| $75K | $59,579 |
| $80K | $63,551 |
| $100K | $79,439 |
| $120K | $95,327 |
| $150K | $119,159 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Chicago vs Augusta
| Expense | Chicago | Augusta |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,434 | $4,397 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,200 |
| Groceries | $388 | $353 |
| Transport | $105 | $42 |
| Utilities | $165 | $162 |
| Internet | $65 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $1,811 | $2,582 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $808 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Chicago — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Augusta cheaper than Chicago?
Yes. Augusta has a cost of living index of 85 vs 107 for Chicago (100 = US average). That's about 21% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Chicago to Augusta?
On a $75K salary, moving from Chicago to Augusta saves roughly $663/month on core expenses. That's ~$7,956/year.
What salary do I need in Augusta to match my Chicago lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Chicago, you'd need roughly $59,579/year in Augusta. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only