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Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Houston, TX

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

10.3% Houston, TX is cheaper overall
19.3% 19.3% cheaper housing
7.8% 7.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 19.3% cheaper
Atlanta
114
Houston
92
🛒 Groceries 7.8% cheaper
Atlanta
102
Houston
94
🚗 Transportation 8.3% cheaper
Atlanta
109
Houston
100
🏥 Healthcare 6.9% cheaper
Atlanta
102
Houston
95
⚡ Utilities 7.1% more
Atlanta
99
Houston
106

Detailed Breakdown

Category Atlanta, GA Houston, TX Difference
Overall Cost Index1079610.3% less
Housing1149219.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,650$1,20027.3% less
Median Home Price$380,000$295,00022.4% less
Groceries102947.8% less
Transportation1091008.3% less
Healthcare102956.9% less
Utilities991067.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Atlanta, GA Houston, 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
Houston, TX
$67,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Houston costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Atlanta (107) vs Houston (96). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Atlanta3.7%
Houston4.5%
Job Growth (YoY)
Atlanta3.4%
Houston3.1%
Top Industries
AtlantaLogistics, Film, Tech
HoustonEnergy, Healthcare, Aerospace

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Atlanta32 min
Houston30 min
Walk Score
Atlanta48
Houston33
Air Quality (AQI)
Atlanta43
Houston52
Avg Temperature
Atlanta62°F
Houston70°F
Population
Atlanta499,127
Houston2,304,580

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Planning Your Move?

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Atlanta or Houston cheaper to live in?+
Houston is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 19.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Atlanta vs Houston?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,650/month in Atlanta and $1,200/month in Houston — a difference of about $450 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Atlanta or Houston?+
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 Houston?+
Median household income in Atlanta is $75,000 compared to $67,000 in Houston. 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 Houston?+
The median home price in Atlanta is $380,000 versus $295,000 in Houston — a difference of $85,000. Property tax rates also differ: Georgia averages 0.72% while Texas averages 1.60%.