Atlanta vs Miami
Cost of Living (2026)

Atlanta is 24% less expensive than Miami. Plus, Florida 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

Miami, FL

COL index123
State income taxNone
Avg 1BR rent$2,300/mo
Median home price$600K

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryAtlanta indexMiami indexDifference
Housing129161+32%
Groceries94116+22%
Transportation95116+21%
Healthcare96119+23%
Utilities95114+19%

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

Salary equivalency: AtlantaMiami

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

Salary in AtlantaEquivalent in MiamiDifference
$60,000$68,000+$8,000
$80,000$91,000+$11,000
$100,000$114,000+$14,000
$130,000$148,000+$18,000
$150,000$171,000+$21,000
$200,000$228,000+$28,000

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

When comparing the cost of living between Atlanta, GA and Miami, FL, Atlanta comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 99 versus 123 for Miami — a difference of approximately 24%.

State income tax impact

Florida has no state income tax, giving Miami 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 $600,000 in Miami. Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,550/month in Atlanta versus $2,300/month in Miami.

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