Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Atlanta, GA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 2.6% cheaper than Atlanta, GA. This translates to saving $198 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Atlanta, GA?

If you earn $150,000 in Atlanta, GA, you'd need approximately $147,622.642 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Atlanta, GA and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 6.2% more expensive than in Atlanta, GA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $2,140/month in Atlanta, GA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Atlanta, GA to Phoenix, AZ?

Moving from Atlanta, GA to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $198 per month, or $2377 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Atlanta, GA

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Phoenix, AZ

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Atlanta, GA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $198/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.6K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↓ 2.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$198

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.4K

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:97

Median Home:$414K

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Atlanta, GA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Atlanta, GA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,925/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $248less	12.9%
🏠Housing	$2,625/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $164more	6.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,448/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $40.98more	2.8%
⚡All Utilities	$585/mo	$561/mo	↓ $23.50less	4.0%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$963/mo	↑ $4.00more	0.4%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$589/mo	→ $0	0.0%

📦Other

↓ 12.9%

Atlanta, GA

$1,925

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$248

less

🏠Housing

↑ 6.2%

Atlanta, GA

$2,625

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$164

🚗Transportation

↑ 2.8%

Atlanta, GA

$1,448

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$40.98

⚡All Utilities

↓ 4.0%

Atlanta, GA

$585

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$23.50

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.4%

Atlanta, GA

$959

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$4.00

🏥Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Atlanta, GA

$589

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,865

To$1,390

↓ $475

1 Bed

From$1,950

To$1,510

↓ $440

2 Bed

From$2,140

To$1,750

↓ $390

3 Bed

From$2,565

To$2,330

↓ $235

Atlanta, GAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,110–$2,490/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$62.55

Difference

Home Values

Atlanta

Phoenix

$441K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -2.6%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +17.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$202K - $1.46M

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 6% less expensive than Atlanta

Calculate payment - Atlanta Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$268

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.1%

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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Atlanta, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%

Property Tax:0.9%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.