Is Atlanta, GA cheaper than Detroit, MI?

Based on cost of living data, Atlanta, GA is 20.5% more expensive than Detroit, MI. This translates to spending an extra $1534 per month.

What salary do I need in Atlanta, GA to live like I do in Detroit, MI?

If you earn $150,000 in Detroit, MI, you'd need approximately $168,409.091 in Atlanta, GA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Detroit, MI and Atlanta, GA?

Housing in Atlanta, GA is 68.3% more expensive than in Detroit, MI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,140/month in Atlanta, GA compared to $1,225/month in Detroit, MI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Detroit, MI to Atlanta, GA?

Living in Atlanta, GA costs approximately $1534 more per month than Detroit, MI, or $18409 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Detroit, MI

Tap to swap

Atlanta, GA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Detroit, MI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.5K/month more in Atlanta, GA

$150.0K in your current city equals $168.4K in Atlanta, GA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI area

Overall Cost

↑ 20.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,534

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$18.4K

Per year

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

Detroit, MI

Population:639K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$86K

Atlanta, GA

Population:499K

Cost Index:120

Median Home:$441K

Detroit, MI

The Great Lakes State

639K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Michigan, this city has a population of 639K residents.

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: Detroit, MI vs Atlanta, GA

Category	Detroit, MI	Atlanta, GA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,559/mo	$2,625/mo	↑ $1,065more	68.3%
📦Other	$1,674/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $251more	15.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,571/mo	$1,448/mo	↓ $123less	7.8%
⚡All Utilities	$557/mo	$585/mo	↑ $27.32more	4.9%
🏥Healthcare	$564/mo	$589/mo	↑ $24.78more	4.4%
🛒Groceries	$949/mo	$959/mo	↑ $9.99more	1.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 68.3%

Detroit, MI

$1,559

Atlanta, GA

$2,625

Difference

$1,065

📦Other

↑ 15.0%

Detroit, MI

$1,674

Atlanta, GA

$1,925

Difference

$251

🚗Transportation

↓ 7.8%

Detroit, MI

$1,571

Atlanta, GA

$1,448

Difference

$123

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 4.9%

Detroit, MI

$557

Atlanta, GA

$585

Difference

$27.32

🏥Healthcare

↑ 4.4%

Detroit, MI

$564

Atlanta, GA

$589

Difference

$24.78

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.1%

Detroit, MI

$949

Atlanta, GA

$959

Difference

$9.99

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Detroit, MI: Detroit City Income Tax$3,600/yr (2.4%)

Atlanta, GA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$875

To$1,865

↑ $990

1 Bed

From$975

To$1,950

↑ $975

2 Bed

From$1,225

To$2,140

↑ $915

3 Bed

From$1,495

To$2,565

↑ $1,070

Detroit, MIZIP-level data

1BR range: $830–$1,690/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.

$6,875

Monthly in Detroit, MI

$8,130

Monthly in Atlanta, GA

$1,256

Difference

Home Values

Detroit

Atlanta

$86K

Median Value

$441K

↓ -3.3%

YoY Change

↓ -2.6%

↑ +15.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +17.9%

$48K - $415K

Price Range

$202K - $1.46M

Homes in Atlanta are 416% more expensive than Detroit

Calculate payment - Detroit Calculate payment - Atlanta

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $2.1K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$173

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.4%

Rate difference

Detroit, MI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Michigan State Tax

Effective: 4.3%

$6.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.9%

$43.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,884/month

$106.6K

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

Detroit, MI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

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.

Environment

Detroit

Atlanta

55 Moderate

Air Quality

50 Good

32.8%

Good Air Days

50.8%

99 High

Climate Risk

96 High

🌊🌡🌪

Top Hazards

🌊🌪💨

▲+3.1°F

2050 Outlook

▲+2.7°F

10 days

Heat Days >95°F

28 days

▲+3.1°F

2050 Outlook

▲+2.7°F

10 days

Heat Days >95°F

28 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Michigan and Georgia on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Detroit, MI on a $150.0K salary

Similar cost to Atlanta, GA

Other cities in a similar price range

Austin, TX Denver, CO Nashville, TN

Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison

Detroit, MI

Atlanta, GA

You'd spend $1.5K/month more in Atlanta, GA

Detroit, MI

Atlanta, GA

Detroit, MI

Atlanta, GA

Notable Facts

Major Industries

Cost Breakdown by Category

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

🏠Rent Comparison

📍 Rent by ZIP Code26 ZIPs

📍 Rent by ZIP Code30 ZIPs

Home Values

🏠 Home Values by ZIP25 ZIPs

🏠 Home Values by ZIP29 ZIPs

Tax Comparison

Detroit, MI

Atlanta, GA

Additional Tax Information

Detroit, MI Tax Rates

Atlanta, GA Tax Rates

Environment

Where your money goes further

Similar cost to Atlanta, GA