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Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Dallas, TX

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

4.7% Dallas, TX is cheaper overall
5.3% 5.3% cheaper housing
4.9% 4.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 5.3% cheaper
Atlanta
114
Dallas
108
🛒 Groceries 4.9% cheaper
Atlanta
102
Dallas
97
🚗 Transportation 7.3% cheaper
Atlanta
109
Dallas
101
🏥 Healthcare 3.9% cheaper
Atlanta
102
Dallas
98
⚡ Utilities 5.1% more
Atlanta
99
Dallas
104

Detailed Breakdown

Category Atlanta, GA Dallas, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index1071024.7% less
Housing1141085.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,650$1,40015.2% less
Median Home Price$380,000$340,00010.5% less
Groceries102974.9% less
Transportation1091017.3% less
Healthcare102983.9% less
Utilities991045.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Atlanta, GA Dallas, TX
State Income Tax5.39%None (0%)
State Sales Tax4.00%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.72%1.60%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Atlanta, GA
$75,000
Median household income
Dallas, TX
$72,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Dallas outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Dallas to maintain your Atlanta lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Atlanta (107) vs Dallas (102). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Atlanta3.7%
Dallas3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Atlanta3.4%
Dallas3.4%
Top Industries
AtlantaLogistics, Film, Tech
DallasTech, Finance, Telecom

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Atlanta32 min
Dallas28 min
Walk Score
Atlanta48
Dallas46
Air Quality (AQI)
Atlanta43
Dallas48
Avg Temperature
Atlanta62°F
Dallas66°F
Population
Atlanta499,127
Dallas1,288,457

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Atlanta and Dallas → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Dallas →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Atlanta or Dallas cheaper to live in?+
Dallas is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 5.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Atlanta vs Dallas?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,650/month in Atlanta and $1,400/month in Dallas — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Atlanta or Dallas?+
Georgia has a state income tax of 5.39% and sales tax of 4.00%. Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Atlanta to Dallas?+
Median household income in Atlanta is $75,000 compared to $72,000 in Dallas. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Atlanta vs Dallas?+
The median home price in Atlanta is $380,000 versus $340,000 in Dallas — a difference of $40,000. Property tax rates also differ: Georgia averages 0.72% while Texas averages 1.60%.