Is Atlanta, GA cheaper than Tacoma, WA?

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

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

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

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

Housing in Atlanta, GA is 65.2% cheaper than in Tacoma, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,140/month in Atlanta, GA compared to $1,900/month in Tacoma, WA.

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

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

Tacoma, WA vs Atlanta, GA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Tacoma, 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.

Tacoma, WA

Population:219K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$560K

Atlanta, GA

Population:499K

Cost Index:

(38% below avg)

Median Home:$441K

Tacoma, WA

The Evergreen State

219K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 219K residents.

💡 Advantage: Washington has no state income tax!

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: Tacoma, WA vs Atlanta, GA

Category	Tacoma, 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%

Tacoma, WA

$7,536

Atlanta, GA

$2,625

Difference

$4,912

less

Transportation

↓ 23.7%

Tacoma, WA

$1,899

Atlanta, GA

$1,448

Difference

$451

less

Healthcare

↓ 28.6%

Tacoma, WA

$824

Atlanta, GA

$589

Difference

$235

less

Groceries

↓ 11.1%

Tacoma, WA

$1,079

Atlanta, GA

$959

Difference

$120

less

All Utilities

↑ 21.6%

Tacoma, WA

$481

Atlanta, GA

$585

Difference

$104

Other

↓ 2.5%

Tacoma, WA

$1,975

Atlanta, GA

$1,925

Difference

$50.22

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,380

To$1,865

↑ $485

1 Bed

From$1,550

To$1,950

↑ $400

2 Bed

From$1,900

To$2,140

↑ $240

3 Bed

From$2,630

To$2,565

↓ $65.00

Tacoma, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,510–$1,970/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 Tacoma, WA

$8,130

Monthly in Atlanta, GA

$5,664

Difference

Home Values

Tacoma

Atlanta

$560K

Median Value

$441K

↓ -0.8%

YoY Change

↓ -2.6%

↑ +23.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +17.9%

$404K - $685K

Price Range

$202K - $1.46M

Homes in Atlanta are 21% less expensive than Tacoma

Calculate payment - Tacoma 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

Tacoma, 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

Tacoma, 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.