Is Atlanta, GA cheaper than Houston, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Atlanta, GA is 9.8% more expensive than Houston, TX. This translates to spending an extra $738 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Houston, TX, you'd need approximately $158,860.104 in Atlanta, GA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Atlanta, GA is 19.8% more expensive than in Houston, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,140/month in Atlanta, GA compared to $1,500/month in Houston, TX.

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

Living in Atlanta, GA costs approximately $738 more per month than Houston, TX, or $8860 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Houston, TX

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Atlanta, GA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Houston, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $738/month more in Atlanta, GA

$150.0K in your current city equals $158.9K in Atlanta, GA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX area

Overall Cost

↑ 9.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$738

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$8.9K

Per year

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

Houston, TX

Population:2305K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$245K

Atlanta, GA

Population:499K

Cost Index:110

Median Home:$441K

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

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: Houston, TX vs Atlanta, GA

Category	Houston, TX	Atlanta, GA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,191/mo	$2,625/mo	↑ $434more	19.8%
📦Other	$1,768/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $157more	8.9%
🛒Groceries	$911/mo	$959/mo	↑ $47.96more	5.3%
⚡All Utilities	$552/mo	$585/mo	↑ $32.24more	5.8%
🏥Healthcare	$562/mo	$589/mo	↑ $26.64more	4.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,449/mo	$1,448/mo	↓ $1.37less	0.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 19.8%

Houston, TX

$2,191

Atlanta, GA

$2,625

Difference

$434

📦Other

↑ 8.9%

Houston, TX

$1,768

Atlanta, GA

$1,925

Difference

$157

🛒Groceries

↑ 5.3%

Houston, TX

$911

Atlanta, GA

$959

Difference

$47.96

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.8%

Houston, TX

$552

Atlanta, GA

$585

Difference

$32.24

🏥Healthcare

↑ 4.7%

Houston, TX

$562

Atlanta, GA

$589

Difference

$26.64

🚗Transportation

↓ 0.1%

Houston, TX

$1,449

Atlanta, GA

$1,448

Difference

$1.37

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,220

To$1,865

↑ $645

1 Bed

From$1,260

To$1,950

↑ $690

2 Bed

From$1,500

To$2,140

↑ $640

3 Bed

From$2,020

To$2,565

↑ $545

Houston, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,980/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.

$7,434

Monthly in Houston, TX

$8,130

Monthly in Atlanta, GA

$697

Difference

Home Values

Houston

Atlanta

$245K

Median Value

$441K

↓ -3.1%

YoY Change

↓ -2.6%

↑ +23.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +17.9%

$138K - $1.64M

Price Range

$202K - $1.46M

Homes in Atlanta are 80% more expensive than Houston

Calculate payment - Houston 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

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

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

Houston, 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.