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Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Atlanta, GA

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

3.9% Atlanta, GA is more expensive overall
3.4% 3.4% cheaper housing
6.2% 6.2% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 3.4% cheaper
Austin
118
Atlanta
114
🛒 Groceries 6.2% more
Austin
96
Atlanta
102
🚗 Transportation 11.2% more
Austin
98
Atlanta
109
🏥 Healthcare 5.2% more
Austin
97
Atlanta
102
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Austin
99
Atlanta
99

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX Atlanta, GA Difference
Overall Cost Index1031073.9% more
Housing1181143.4% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,65013.8% more
Median Home Price$425,000$380,00010.6% less
Groceries961026.2% more
Transportation9810911.2% more
Healthcare971025.2% more
Utilities9999~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX Atlanta, GA
State Income TaxNone (0%)5.39%
State Sales Tax6.25%4.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.72%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
Median household income
Atlanta, GA
$75,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Atlanta 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 Atlanta to maintain your Austin lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs Atlanta (107). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
Atlanta3.7%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
Atlanta3.4%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
AtlantaLogistics, Film, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
Atlanta32 min
Walk Score
Austin41
Atlanta48
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
Atlanta43
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
Atlanta62°F
Population
Austin979,882
Atlanta499,127

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Planning Your Move?

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Compare Other Cities

Austin vs Denver → Austin vs Nashville → Austin vs Raleigh → Atlanta vs Portland → Atlanta vs Phoenix → Atlanta vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or Atlanta cheaper to live in?+
Austin is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 3.4%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Atlanta?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $1,650/month in Atlanta — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Atlanta?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Georgia has a state income tax of 5.39% and sales tax of 4.00%. 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 Austin to Atlanta?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 compared to $75,000 in Atlanta. 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 Austin vs Atlanta?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $380,000 in Atlanta — a difference of $45,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Georgia averages 0.72%.