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Cost of Living: Seattle, WA 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.

13.7% Atlanta, GA is cheaper overall
26.9% 26.9% cheaper housing
5.6% 5.6% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 26.9% cheaper
Seattle
156
Atlanta
114
🛒 Groceries 5.6% cheaper
Seattle
108
Atlanta
102
🚗 Transportation 7.6% cheaper
Seattle
118
Atlanta
109
🏥 Healthcare 7.3% cheaper
Seattle
110
Atlanta
102
⚡ Utilities 8.8% more
Seattle
91
Atlanta
99

Detailed Breakdown

Category Seattle, WA Atlanta, GA Difference
Overall Cost Index12410713.7% less
Housing15611426.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,050$1,65019.5% less
Median Home Price$780,000$380,00051.3% less
Groceries1081025.6% less
Transportation1181097.6% less
Healthcare1101027.3% less
Utilities91998.8% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Seattle, WA Atlanta, GA
State Income TaxNone (0%)5.39%
State Sales Tax6.50%4.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.84%0.72%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Seattle, WA
$110,000
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 Seattle lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Seattle (124) vs Atlanta (107). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Seattle3.4%
Atlanta3.7%
Job Growth (YoY)
Seattle3.8%
Atlanta3.4%
Top Industries
SeattleTech, Aerospace, Retail
AtlantaLogistics, Film, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Seattle30 min
Atlanta32 min
Walk Score
Seattle73
Atlanta48
Air Quality (AQI)
Seattle40
Atlanta43
Avg Temperature
Seattle52°F
Atlanta62°F
Population
Seattle749,256
Atlanta499,127

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Planning Your Move?

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Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Seattle or Atlanta cheaper to live in?+
Atlanta is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 26.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Seattle vs Atlanta?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,050/month in Seattle and $1,650/month in Atlanta — a difference of about $400 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Seattle or Atlanta?+
Washington has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.50%. 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 Seattle to Atlanta?+
Median household income in Seattle is $110,000 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 Seattle vs Atlanta?+
The median home price in Seattle is $780,000 versus $380,000 in Atlanta — a difference of $400,000. Property tax rates also differ: Washington averages 0.84% while Georgia averages 0.72%.