The current cost of living in Augusta is 95.6 percent of the national average, which ranks the area as 5th among 12 Georgia cities. 94.6% of the homes sold were affordable for the median-income household. The area is also considered conducive to financial stability. According to a report complied be Minneapolis-based ReliaStar Financial Corp., Augusta-Aiken MSA is ranked 72nd on its list of 125 best cities to earn and save money.

Augusta/Aiken MSA Cost of Living Index 4th Quarter 2001
Groceries	101.2
Housing	78.5
Utilities	89.5
Transportation	101.2
Health Care	95.1
Misc. Goods/Services	95.6

Source: Woods & Poole 2000