Is Houston, TX cheaper than Atlanta, GA?

Based on cost of living data, Houston, TX is 9.0% cheaper than Atlanta, GA. This translates to saving $672 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Atlanta, GA, you'd need approximately $141,933.962 in Houston, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Houston, TX is 16.5% cheaper than in Atlanta, GA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,500/month in Houston, TX compared to $2,140/month in Atlanta, GA.

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

Moving from Atlanta, GA to Houston, TX could save you approximately $672 per month, or $8066 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Atlanta, GA

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Houston, TX

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Atlanta, GA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $672/month moving to Houston, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $141.9K in Houston, TX

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

Overall Cost

↓ 9.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$672

Savings

Annual Impact

$8.1K

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

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:91

Median Home:$245K

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

Houston, TX

The Lone Star State

2.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Energy capital of the world
•NASA Mission Control
•Diverse port city

Major Industries

EnergyAerospaceHealthcareInternational Trade

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Atlanta, GA vs Houston, TX

Category	Atlanta, GA	Houston, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,625/mo	$2,191/mo	↓ $434less	16.5%
📦Other	$1,925/mo	$1,768/mo	↓ $157less	8.2%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$911/mo	↓ $47.96less	5.0%
⚡All Utilities	$585/mo	$552/mo	↓ $32.24less	5.5%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$562/mo	↓ $26.64less	4.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,448/mo	$1,449/mo	↑ $1.37more	0.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 16.5%

Atlanta, GA

$2,625

Houston, TX

$2,191

Difference

$434

less

📦Other

↓ 8.2%

Atlanta, GA

$1,925

Houston, TX

$1,768

Difference

$157

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.0%

Atlanta, GA

$959

Houston, TX

$911

Difference

$47.96

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 5.5%

Atlanta, GA

$585

Houston, TX

$552

Difference

$32.24

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 4.5%

Atlanta, GA

$589

Houston, TX

$562

Difference

$26.64

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 0.1%

Atlanta, GA

$1,448

Houston, TX

$1,449

Difference

$1.37

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,865

To$1,220

↓ $645

1 Bed

From$1,950

To$1,260

↓ $690

2 Bed

From$2,140

To$1,500

↓ $640

3 Bed

From$2,565

To$2,020

↓ $545

Atlanta, GAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,110–$2,490/mo

Houston, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,980/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

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$697

Difference

Home Values

Atlanta

Houston

$441K

Median Value

$245K

↓ -2.6%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +17.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +23.4%

$202K - $1.46M

Price Range

$138K - $1.64M

Homes in Houston are 44% less expensive than Atlanta

Calculate payment - Atlanta Calculate payment - Houston

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

Houston, 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%

Houston, 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.