Quick answer
Tampa is 37% cheaper than Atlanta overall. A $100K salary in Atlanta is equivalent to $63,000 in Tampa.
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Atlanta vs Tampa Cost of Living (2026)
Side-by-side cost comparison plus a salary calculator to find your equivalent pay in either city.
Overall COL difference
Tampa is 37% cheaper
1BR rent difference
+2% (B vs A)
$100K in A = in B
$63,000
Atlanta vs Tampa: Side-by-Side
1BR median rent
$1,650/mo
$1,680/mo
+2%
2BR median rent
$2,100/mo
$2,100/mo
+0%
Median home price
$385K
$390K
+1%
Avg monthly groceries
$360
$345
-4%
Avg monthly utilities
$165
$175
+6%
State income tax
5.49%
None
Tampa saves
Walk score
48/100
52/100
Tampa better
Transit score
42/100
34/100
Atlanta better
Salary Equivalency Calculator
How much you need to earn in Tampa to maintain the same standard of living as your current Atlanta salary — and vice versa.
$60,000
$38,000
$95,000
$80,000
$50,000
$127,000
$100,000
$63,000
$159,000
$120,000
$76,000
$190,000
$150,000
$95,000
$238,000
Calculated using a weighted index: rent (40%), home prices (20%), groceries (20%), utilities (10%), state income tax (10%). Individual lifestyles vary.
Monthly Budget: Atlanta vs Tampa
Who Each City Is Best For
Atlanta is best for
- ✓tech workers
- ✓film industry professionals
- ✓logistics professionals
- ✓Southern culture enthusiasts
Tampa is best for
- ✓healthcare workers
- ✓remote workers
- ✓beach lifestyle seekers
- ✓retirees
FAQs
Is Atlanta or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Tampa is 37% cheaper than Atlanta overall. Tampa 1BR rent ($1,680/mo) vs Atlanta ($1,650/mo). Median home price: Tampa $390K vs Atlanta $385K.
How much salary do I need in Tampa to match $100K in Atlanta?
$63,000 in Tampa is equivalent to $100,000 in Atlanta based on cost of living differences. The biggest factors are rent (+2% difference) and state taxes (Atlanta: 5.49% vs Tampa: None).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Tampa?
1BR: Atlanta $1,650/mo vs Tampa $1,680/mo (+2%). 2BR: Atlanta $2,100/mo vs Tampa $2,100/mo (+0%).
Does Atlanta or Tampa have lower taxes?
Atlanta (GA) has 5.49% state income tax. Tampa (FL) has None state income tax. On a $100K salary, the annual tax difference is ~$5,490.