Is Atlanta, GA cheaper than Seattle, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Atlanta, GA is 38.4% cheaper than Seattle, WA. This translates to saving $2878 per month.

What salary do I need in Atlanta, GA to live like I do in Seattle, WA?

If you earn $150,000 in Seattle, WA, you'd need approximately $115,465.116 in Atlanta, GA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Seattle, WA and Atlanta, GA?

Housing in Atlanta, GA is 65.2% cheaper than in Seattle, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,140/month in Atlanta, GA compared to $2,630/month in Seattle, WA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Seattle, WA to Atlanta, GA?

Moving from Seattle, WA to Atlanta, GA could save you approximately $2878 per month, or $34535 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Seattle, WA

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Atlanta, GA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Seattle, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

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

$150.0K in your current city equals $115.5K in Atlanta, GA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 38.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,878

Savings

Annual Impact

$34.5K

Per year

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

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$808K

Atlanta, GA

Population:499K

Cost Index:62

Median Home:$441K

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Coffee culture birthplace
•Major tech center
•Pacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

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: Seattle, WA vs Atlanta, GA

Category	Seattle, WA	Atlanta, GA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,536/mo	$2,625/mo	↓ $4,912less	65.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,899/mo	$1,448/mo	↓ $451less	23.7%
🏥Healthcare	$824/mo	$589/mo	↓ $235less	28.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$959/mo	↓ $120less	11.1%
⚡All Utilities	$481/mo	$585/mo	↑ $104more	21.6%
📦Other	$1,975/mo	$1,925/mo	↓ $50.22less	2.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 65.2%

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Atlanta, GA

$2,625

Difference

$4,912

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 23.7%

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Atlanta, GA

$1,448

Difference

$451

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 28.6%

Seattle, WA

$824

Atlanta, GA

$589

Difference

$235

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.1%

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Atlanta, GA

$959

Difference

$120

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 21.6%

Seattle, WA

$481

Atlanta, GA

$585

Difference

$104

📦Other

↓ 2.5%

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Atlanta, GA

$1,925

Difference

$50.22

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,180

To$1,865

↓ $315

1 Bed

From$2,260

To$1,950

↓ $310

2 Bed

From$2,630

To$2,140

↓ $490

3 Bed

From$3,440

To$2,565

↓ $875

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/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.

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$8,130

Monthly in Atlanta, GA

$5,664

Difference

Home Values

Seattle

Atlanta

$808K

Median Value

$441K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -2.6%

↑ +12.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +17.9%

$433K - $1.34M

Price Range

$202K - $1.46M

Homes in Atlanta are 45% less expensive than Seattle

Calculate payment - Seattle 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

Seattle, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington 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

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.