Is Atlanta, GA cheaper than Austin, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Atlanta, GA is 2.9% more expensive than Austin, TX. This translates to spending an extra $218 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Austin, TX, you'd need approximately $152,621.359 in Atlanta, GA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Atlanta, GA is 9.0% cheaper than in Austin, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,140/month in Atlanta, GA compared to $1,995/month in Austin, TX.

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

Living in Atlanta, GA costs approximately $218 more per month than Austin, TX, or $2621 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Austin, TX

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Atlanta, GA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Austin, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $218/month more in Atlanta, GA

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.6K in Atlanta, GA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 2.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$218

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$2.6K

Per year

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

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$558K

Atlanta, GA

Population:499K

Cost Index:103

Median Home:$441K

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Austin, TX vs Atlanta, GA

Category	Austin, TX	Atlanta, GA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,885/mo	$2,625/mo	↓ $260less	9.0%
📦Other	$1,741/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $184more	10.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,448/mo	↑ $164more	12.8%
⚡All Utilities	$541/mo	$585/mo	↑ $43.71more	8.1%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$959/mo	→ $0	0.0%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$589/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 9.0%

Austin, TX

$2,885

Atlanta, GA

$2,625

Difference

$260

less

📦Other

↑ 10.6%

Austin, TX

$1,741

Atlanta, GA

$1,925

Difference

$184

🚗Transportation

↑ 12.8%

Austin, TX

$1,284

Atlanta, GA

$1,448

Difference

$164

⚡All Utilities

↑ 8.1%

Austin, TX

$541

Atlanta, GA

$585

Difference

$43.71

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Austin, TX

$959

Atlanta, GA

$959

Difference

same

🏥Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Austin, TX

$589

Atlanta, GA

$589

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,585

To$1,865

↑ $280

1 Bed

From$1,685

To$1,950

↑ $265

2 Bed

From$1,995

To$2,140

↑ $145

3 Bed

From$2,525

To$2,565

↑ $40.00

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

Atlanta, GAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,110–$2,490/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.

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$8,130

Monthly in Atlanta, GA

$132

Difference

Home Values

Austin

Atlanta

$558K

Median Value

$441K

↓ -5%

YoY Change

↓ -2.6%

↑ +12.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +17.9%

$272K - $1.26M

Price Range

$202K - $1.46M

Homes in Atlanta are 21% less expensive than Austin

Calculate payment - Austin Calculate payment - Atlanta

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $8.5K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$704

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.6%

Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

Atlanta, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.