Quick answer
Austin is 49% cheaper than Atlanta overall. A $100K salary in Austin is equivalent to $149,000 in Atlanta.
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Austin vs Atlanta Cost of Living (2026)
Side-by-side cost comparison plus a salary calculator to find your equivalent pay in either city.
Overall COL difference
Austin is 49% cheaper
1BR rent difference
+0% (B vs A)
$100K in A = in B
$149,000
Austin vs Atlanta: Side-by-Side
1BR median rent
$1,650/mo
$1,650/mo
+0%
2BR median rent
$2,100/mo
$2,100/mo
+0%
Median home price
$548K
$385K
-30%
Avg monthly groceries
$380
$360
-5%
Avg monthly utilities
$175
$165
-6%
State income tax
None
5.49%
Austin saves
Walk score
41/100
48/100
Atlanta better
Transit score
34/100
42/100
Atlanta better
Salary Equivalency Calculator
How much you need to earn in Atlanta to maintain the same standard of living as your current Austin salary — and vice versa.
$60,000
$90,000
$40,000
$80,000
$119,000
$54,000
$100,000
$149,000
$67,000
$120,000
$179,000
$80,000
$150,000
$224,000
$101,000
Calculated using a weighted index: rent (40%), home prices (20%), groceries (20%), utilities (10%), state income tax (10%). Individual lifestyles vary.
Monthly Budget: Austin vs Atlanta
Who Each City Is Best For
Austin is best for
- ✓tech workers
- ✓young professionals
- ✓outdoor enthusiasts
- ✓musicians
Atlanta is best for
- ✓tech workers
- ✓film industry professionals
- ✓logistics professionals
- ✓Southern culture enthusiasts
FAQs
Is Austin or Atlanta cheaper to live in?
Austin is 49% cheaper than Atlanta overall. Austin 1BR rent ($1,650/mo) vs Atlanta ($1,650/mo). Median home price: Austin $548K vs Atlanta $385K.
How much salary do I need in Atlanta to match $100K in Austin?
$149,000 in Atlanta is equivalent to $100,000 in Austin based on cost of living differences. The biggest factors are rent (+0% difference) and state taxes (Austin: None vs Atlanta: 5.49%).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Atlanta?
1BR: Austin $1,650/mo vs Atlanta $1,650/mo (+0%). 2BR: Austin $2,100/mo vs Atlanta $2,100/mo (+0%).
Does Austin or Atlanta have lower taxes?
Austin (TX) has None state income tax. Atlanta (GA) has 5.49% state income tax. On a $100K salary, the annual tax difference is ~$5,490.