Atlanta vs Austin
Cost of Living (2026)

Atlanta is 11% less expensive than Austin. Plus, Texas has no state income tax vs Georgia's 5.75%.

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At a glance

Atlanta, GA

COL index99 ✓
State income tax5.75%
Avg 1BR rent$1,550/mo ✓
Median home price$390K ✓
VS

Austin, TX

COL index110
State income taxNone ✓
Avg 1BR rent$1,650/mo
Median home price$520K

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryAtlanta indexAustin indexDifference
Housing129 ✓144+15%
Groceries94 ✓104+10%
Transportation95 ✓105+10%
Healthcare96 ✓107+11%
Utilities95 ✓104+9%

Source: C2ER Cost of Living Index 2026. Index = 100 is US average. ✓ indicates lower cost.

Salary equivalency: Atlanta → Austin

What salary in Austin gives you the same purchasing power as your Atlanta salary?

Salary in AtlantaEquivalent in AustinDifference
$60,000$61,000+$1,000
$80,000$82,000+$2,000
$100,000$102,000+$2,000
$130,000$133,000+$3,000
$150,000$153,000+$3,000
$200,000$204,000+$4,000

Atlanta vs Austin: Full Cost of Living Comparison (2026)

When comparing the cost of living between Atlanta, GA and Austin, TX, Atlanta comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 99 versus 110 for Austin — a difference of approximately 11%.

State income tax impact

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin workers an immediate 5.75% take-home pay advantage over Atlanta workers who pay Georgia's 5.75% state income tax.

Housing costs

The median home price in Atlanta is $390,000, compared to $520,000 in Austin. Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,550/month in Atlanta versus $1,650/month in Austin.

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