The $100,000 Salary Analysis for Augusta-Richmond County, GA

This analysis strips away the hype. We look at the hard math of a $100,000 salary in Augusta-Richmond County. We focus on Purchasing Power—what you can actually buy—versus the Nominal Salary.

1. The Verification Test

A $100,000 salary is not the number that hits your bank account. The government takes its share immediately. Here is the breakdown for a single filer (standard deduction).

• Nominal Salary: $100,000
• Federal Income Tax: ~14% effective rate = -$14,000
• FICA (Social Security & Medicare): 7.65% = -$7,650
• Georgia State Income Tax: ~5% (Graduated bracket, top marginal is 5.75%; averaging effective to ~5% for this bracket) = -$5,000

Total Tax Burden: -$26,650
Estimated Net Pay (Take-Home): $73,350 / year
Monthly Cash Flow: $6,112

Note: If you move from Augusta to a state like Texas or Florida (0% State Income Tax), your monthly cash flow increases by roughly $416. This is a minor boost, not a life-changer.

2. Smart Budget (50/30/20 Rule)

The 50/30/20 rule allocates 50% to Needs, 30% to Wants, and 20% to Savings.
Based on a monthly take-home of $6,112:

Needs (50%): $3,056

• Rent (1BR Average): $961
  • Analysis: This is the anchor of your budget. It is significantly lower than the national average. This is your primary economic advantage here.
• Utilities: ~$200
• Groceries: ~$400
• Transportation (Car/Gas/Insurance): ~$600
• Health Insurance: ~$400 (Employer subsidized)
• Remaining: $495 (Buffer for maintenance, copays, or debt service).

Wants (30%): $1,833

• This is your disposable income. Dining out, entertainment, subscriptions, travel.
• Reality Check: You have significant room here compared to HCOL (High Cost of Living) cities. You do not need to live like a monk.

Savings (20%): $1,222

• This is your wealth-building engine.
• $1,222 / month = $14,664 / year.
• Verdict: You can max out a Roth IRA ($7,000) and still have $7,664 left for a brokerage account or emergency fund.

3. Augusta-Richmond County Tax Context

Georgia is not a tax haven, but it is not California.

• Vs. High-Tax (CA/NY): You are saving roughly $5,000–$7,000 annually in state income tax compared to moving there. However, your nominal salary would likely be higher in those markets to compensate.
• Vs. No-Tax (TX/FL): You are paying roughly $5,000 annually for the privilege of living in Georgia.
• Property Tax: Richmond County mills are moderate. However, if you buy a home, the "Homestead Exemption" lowers your taxable value. Expect property taxes to be significantly lower than in states like New Jersey or Texas (where high property taxes offset no income tax).

4. FAQ

"Is $100k good here?"
Yes. It is a "comfortable" salary. It allows for a standard 1BR apartment, a car note, and meaningful savings (~$14k/year). It is not, however, "wealthy." You will not be flying private or buying luxury real estate. You are solidly middle-to-upper-middle class.

"Local income tax?"
No. Augusta-Richmond County does not levy a local income tax. You only pay the State of Georgia and the Feds.

"What about the $961 rent?"
If you keep rent at $961 while earning $6,112 net monthly, you have a massive financial advantage. If you stretch for a luxury apartment at $1,500+, your savings rate drops by 50%, and the benefits of this salary evaporate quickly.