Austin vs Atlanta
Cost of Living (2026)

Atlanta is 10% more affordable than Austin. Plus, Texas has no state income tax vs Georgia's 5.75%.

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At a glance

Austin, TX

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

Atlanta, GA

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

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryAustin indexAtlanta indexDifference
Housing144129 ✓-15%
Groceries10494 ✓-10%
Transportation10595 ✓-10%
Healthcare10796 ✓-11%
Utilities10495 ✓-9%

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

Salary equivalency: Austin → Atlanta

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

Salary in AustinEquivalent in AtlantaDifference
$60,000$59,000$-1,000
$80,000$78,000$-2,000
$100,000$98,000$-2,000
$130,000$127,000$-3,000
$150,000$147,000$-3,000
$200,000$196,000$-4,000

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

When comparing the cost of living between Austin, TX and Atlanta, GA, Atlanta comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 99 versus 110 for Austin — a difference of approximately 10%.

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

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