Is Austin, TX cheaper than Atlanta, GA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 2.8% cheaper than Atlanta, GA. This translates to saving $212 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Atlanta, GA?

If you earn $150,000 in Atlanta, GA, you'd need approximately $147,452.83 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Atlanta, GA and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 9.9% more expensive than in Atlanta, GA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $2,140/month in Atlanta, GA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Atlanta, GA to Austin, TX?

Moving from Atlanta, GA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $212 per month, or $2547 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Atlanta, GA

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Austin, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Atlanta, GA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $212/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.5K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, GA area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$212

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.5K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Atlanta, GA

Population:499K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$441K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:97

Median Home:$558K

Atlanta, GA

The Peach State

499K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Capital of the South
•Delta Air Lines headquarters

Major Industries

TransportationTechnologyFilm ProductionFinance

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Atlanta, GA vs Austin, TX

Category	Atlanta, GA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,625/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $260more	9.9%
📦Other	$1,925/mo	$1,741/mo	↓ $184less	9.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,448/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $164less	11.3%
⚡All Utilities	$585/mo	$541/mo	↓ $43.71less	7.5%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$589/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 9.9%

Atlanta, GA

$2,625

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$260

📦Other

↓ 9.6%

Atlanta, GA

$1,925

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$184

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 11.3%

Atlanta, GA

$1,448

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$164

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 7.5%

Atlanta, GA

$585

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$43.71

less

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Atlanta, GA

$959

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

same

🏥Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Atlanta, GA

$589

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,865

To$1,585

↓ $280

1 Bed

From$1,950

To$1,685

↓ $265

2 Bed

From$2,140

To$1,995

↓ $145

3 Bed

From$2,565

To$2,525

↓ $40.00

Atlanta, GAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,110–$2,490/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,130

Monthly in Atlanta, GA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$132

Difference

Home Values

Atlanta

Austin

$441K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -2.6%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +17.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$202K - $1.46M

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 27% more expensive than Atlanta

Calculate payment - Atlanta Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $8.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$704

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.6%

Rate difference

Atlanta, GA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Georgia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,711/month

$104.5K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Atlanta, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%

Property Tax:0.9%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.