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Cost of Living: Tampa, FL 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.

5.9% Atlanta, GA is more expensive overall
3.6% 3.6% more expensive housing
2.0% 2.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 3.6% more
Tampa
110
Atlanta
114
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Tampa
100
Atlanta
102
🚗 Transportation 9.0% more
Tampa
100
Atlanta
109
🏥 Healthcare 7.4% more
Tampa
95
Atlanta
102
⚡ Utilities 3.9% cheaper
Tampa
103
Atlanta
99

Detailed Breakdown

Category Tampa, FL Atlanta, GA Difference
Overall Cost Index1011075.9% more
Housing1101143.6% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,65013.8% more
Median Home Price$365,000$380,0004.1% more
Groceries100102~Same
Transportation1001099.0% more
Healthcare951027.4% more
Utilities103993.9% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Tampa, FL Atlanta, GA
State Income TaxNone (0%)5.39%
State Sales Tax6.00%4.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.80%0.72%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Tampa, FL
$62,000
Median household income
Atlanta, GA
$75,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Atlanta outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Tampa (101) vs Atlanta (107). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Tampa3.8%
Atlanta3.7%
Job Growth (YoY)
Tampa3.2%
Atlanta3.4%
Top Industries
TampaFinance, Healthcare, Tech
AtlantaLogistics, Film, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Tampa27 min
Atlanta32 min
Walk Score
Tampa49
Atlanta48
Air Quality (AQI)
Tampa37
Atlanta43
Avg Temperature
Tampa73°F
Atlanta62°F
Population
Tampa393,468
Atlanta499,127

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Planning Your Move?

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Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tampa or Atlanta cheaper to live in?+
Tampa is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 3.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Tampa vs Atlanta?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Tampa and $1,650/month in Atlanta — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Tampa or Atlanta?+
Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Tampa to Atlanta?+
Median household income in Tampa is $62,000 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 Tampa vs Atlanta?+
The median home price in Tampa is $365,000 versus $380,000 in Atlanta — a difference of $15,000. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while Georgia averages 0.72%.