A+
14%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
42%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Americus Georgia National
Cost of living8693100
Goods & Services9997100
Groceries9698100
Health care133100100
Housing5886100
Transportation9294100
Utilities8686100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Americus, GA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Americus? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Americus stands at 86, making it 14% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

Housing costs often consume a significant share of your take-home income, often surpassing 30%. Fortunately, Americus distinguishes itself by reporting housing expenses that are 42% below the national average. This indicates that both owning a home and renting in this area are notably more budget-friendly compared to the rest of the nation. With such favorable housing affordability, residents of Americus can allocate more of their income to housing, enhancing their financial flexibility.

Is Americus Affordable?

Wondering if Americus is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Americus, for example, the median home price is 49.4% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 24.7% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Americus boasting a median household income of $33,405, which is 39.6% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Americus?

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Americus, the groceries index registers 4% lower than the national average.

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Americus, is 42% lower than the national average.

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Americus, the utilities index stands at 14.5% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Americus cost of living data displayed above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index to provide a useful and reasonably accurate measure of living cost differences in urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, it compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services. These items have been meticulously selected to represent various consumer expenditure categories, in 6 categories. Weightings assigned to cost differentials draw from government survey data tracking spending patterns among professional and executive households. While the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Americus is 8% lower than the Georgia average
  • The cost of living in Americus is 14% lower than the national average
  • Americus housing is 42% lower than the national average
  • Georgia general sales tax is 22% lower than the national average
  • Georgia state income tax is 61% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Americus

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Compare Americus, GA Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$46,691$3,891$1,089$1,401
      Renters$26,427$2,202$617$793
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Americus, GA, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Americus homeowners, is $46,691. This would allow for a maximum of $1,089 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $26,427 which would result in a maximum of $617 to be spent on rental costs.

      Georgia Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Georgia 4% 8%

      Georgia Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Georgia 1% 5.57%

      Goods & Services

      Item Americus National avg. Difference
      Haircut $17.00$24.2629.9%
      Beauty Salon $36.53$45.5619.8%
      Toothpaste $3.64$3.701.7%
      Shampoo $1.31$1.282.0%
      Movie $11.49$12.135.3%
      Bowling $14.00$18.0022.2%

      Groceries

      Item Americus National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.16$5.845.5%
      Fried Chicken $1.44$1.578.2%
      Milk $4.61$4.671.3%
      Potatoes $5.31$4.937.5%
      Pizza $11.32$12.096.3%
      Beer $10.19$10.412.2%

      Health Care

      Item Americus National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $91.67$125.6827.1%
      Doctor $116.11$135.7814.5%
      Dentist $95.33$113.2915.8%
      Ibuprofen $10.19$10.654.3%
      Lipitor $412.38$468.6012.0%

      Housing

      Item Americus National avg. Difference
      Home Price $93,400.00$184,700.0049.4%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,593.02$2,346.6932.1%
      Apartment Rent $715.00$949.0024.7%

      Transportation

      Item Americus National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.22$3.467.0%
      Tire Balancing $34.00$59.9243.3%

      Utilities

      Item Americus National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $172.47$193.9911.1%
      Phone $188.97$192.251.7%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      De Soto, GA1077624.4%
      Andersonville, GA1428020.0%
      Smithville, GA4628217.6%
      Ellaville, GA1,8808713.3%
      Leslie, GA601919.3%
      Americus, GA15,3198614.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Clearlake, CA15,3291010.9%
      Saugeen Shores, ON15,330n/a 
      Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, QC15,334n/a 
      Chubbuck, ID15,301973.2%
      Westbury, NY15,33915554.7%
      Americus, GA15,3198614.4%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.