Is Atlanta, GA cheaper than San Jose, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Atlanta, GA is 47.3% cheaper than San Jose, CA. This translates to saving $3545 per month.

What salary do I need in Atlanta, GA to live like I do in San Jose, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in San Jose, CA, you'd need approximately $107,462.687 in Atlanta, GA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between San Jose, CA and Atlanta, GA?

Housing in Atlanta, GA is 72.8% cheaper than in San Jose, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,140/month in Atlanta, GA compared to $3,445/month in San Jose, CA.

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

Moving from San Jose, CA to Atlanta, GA could save you approximately $3545 per month, or $42537 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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San Jose, CA

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Atlanta, GA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Jose, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.5K/month moving to Atlanta, GA

$150.0K in your current city equals $107.5K in Atlanta, GA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 47.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,545

Savings

Annual Impact

$42.5K

Per year

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

San Jose, CA

Population:1013K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.35M

Atlanta, GA

Population:499K

Cost Index:53

Median Home:$441K

San Jose, CA

The Golden State

1.0M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 1.0M 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: San Jose, CA vs Atlanta, GA

Category	San Jose, CA	Atlanta, GA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$9,667/mo	$2,625/mo	↓ $7,043less	72.8%
🛒Groceries	$1,129/mo	$959/mo	↓ $170less	15.0%
⚡All Utilities	$464/mo	$585/mo	↑ $120more	25.9%
🏥Healthcare	$706/mo	$589/mo	↓ $118less	16.7%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $100more	5.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,448/mo	↑ $40.98more	2.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 72.8%

San Jose, CA

$9,667

Atlanta, GA

$2,625

Difference

$7,043

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 15.0%

San Jose, CA

$1,129

Atlanta, GA

$959

Difference

$170

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 25.9%

San Jose, CA

$464

Atlanta, GA

$585

Difference

$120

🏥Healthcare

↓ 16.7%

San Jose, CA

$706

Atlanta, GA

$589

Difference

$118

less

📦Other

↑ 5.5%

San Jose, CA

$1,825

Atlanta, GA

$1,925

Difference

$100

🚗Transportation

↑ 2.9%

San Jose, CA

$1,407

Atlanta, GA

$1,448

Difference

$40.98

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,590

To$1,865

↓ $725

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$1,950

↓ $1,000

2 Bed

From$3,445

To$2,140

↓ $1,305

3 Bed

From$4,550

To$2,565

↓ $1,985

San Jose, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,190–$4,060/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.

$15,199

Monthly in San Jose, CA

$8,130

Monthly in Atlanta, GA

$7,069

Difference

Home Values

San Jose

Atlanta

$1.35M

Median Value

$441K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -2.6%

↑ +35.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +17.9%

$671K - $2.59M

Price Range

$202K - $1.46M

Homes in Atlanta are 67% less expensive than San Jose

Calculate payment - San Jose 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

San Jose, 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

San Jose, 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.