Is Atlanta, GA cheaper than Los Angeles, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Atlanta, GA is 38.8% cheaper than Los Angeles, CA. This translates to saving $2913 per month.

What salary do I need in Atlanta, GA to live like I do in Los Angeles, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Los Angeles, CA, you'd need approximately $115,049.048 in Atlanta, GA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Los Angeles, CA and Atlanta, GA?

Housing in Atlanta, GA is 66.1% cheaper than in Los Angeles, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,140/month in Atlanta, GA compared to $2,660/month in Los Angeles, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Los Angeles, CA to Atlanta, GA?

Moving from Los Angeles, CA to Atlanta, GA could save you approximately $2913 per month, or $34951 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Los Angeles, CA

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Atlanta, GA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Los Angeles, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.9K/month moving to Atlanta, GA

$150.0K in your current city equals $115.0K in Atlanta, GA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 38.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,913

Savings

Annual Impact

$35.0K

Per year

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

Los Angeles, CA

Population:3899K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$885K

Atlanta, GA

Population:499K

Cost Index:61

Median Home:$441K

Los Angeles, CA

The Golden State

3.9M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Entertainment capital of the world
•Major Pacific Rim trade center
•Diverse metropolitan area

Major Industries

EntertainmentTechnologyInternational TradeTourism

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: Los Angeles, CA vs Atlanta, GA

Category	Los Angeles, CA	Atlanta, GA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,749/mo	$2,625/mo	↓ $5,125less	66.1%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,448/mo	↓ $710less	32.9%
📦Other	$1,731/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $194more	11.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,040/mo	$959/mo	↓ $80.94less	7.8%
🏥Healthcare	$554/mo	$589/mo	↑ $34.70more	6.3%
⚡All Utilities	$557/mo	$585/mo	↑ $27.32more	4.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 66.1%

Los Angeles, CA

$7,749

Atlanta, GA

$2,625

Difference

$5,125

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 32.9%

Los Angeles, CA

$2,158

Atlanta, GA

$1,448

Difference

$710

less

📦Other

↑ 11.2%

Los Angeles, CA

$1,731

Atlanta, GA

$1,925

Difference

$194

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.8%

Los Angeles, CA

$1,040

Atlanta, GA

$959

Difference

$80.94

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 6.3%

Los Angeles, CA

$554

Atlanta, GA

$589

Difference

$34.70

⚡All Utilities

↑ 4.9%

Los Angeles, CA

$557

Atlanta, GA

$585

Difference

$27.32

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,910

To$1,865

↓ $45.00

1 Bed

From$2,135

To$1,950

↓ $185

2 Bed

From$2,660

To$2,140

↓ $520

3 Bed

From$3,370

To$2,565

↓ $805

Los Angeles, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,630–$3,130/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.

$13,790

Monthly in Los Angeles, CA

$8,130

Monthly in Atlanta, GA

$5,660

Difference

Home Values

Los Angeles

Atlanta

$885K

Median Value

$441K

↓ -3.4%

YoY Change

↓ -2.6%

↑ +13.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +17.9%

$531K - $3.01M

Price Range

$202K - $1.46M

Homes in Atlanta are 50% less expensive than Los Angeles

Calculate payment - Los Angeles Calculate payment - Atlanta

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$181

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.4%

Rate difference

Los Angeles, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

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

Los Angeles, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

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.