Quick answer
Austin is 33% cheaper than Atlanta overall. A $100K salary in Atlanta is equivalent to $67,000 in Austin.
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Atlanta vs Austin Cost of Living (2026)
Side-by-side cost comparison plus a salary calculator to find your equivalent pay in either city.
Overall COL difference
Austin is 33% cheaper
1BR rent difference
+0% (B vs A)
$100K in A = in B
$67,000
Atlanta vs Austin: Side-by-Side
1BR median rent
$1,650/mo
$1,650/mo
+0%
2BR median rent
$2,100/mo
$2,100/mo
+0%
Median home price
$385K
$548K
+42%
Avg monthly groceries
$360
$380
+6%
Avg monthly utilities
$165
$175
+6%
State income tax
5.49%
None
Austin saves
Walk score
48/100
41/100
Atlanta better
Transit score
42/100
34/100
Atlanta better
Salary Equivalency Calculator
How much you need to earn in Austin to maintain the same standard of living as your current Atlanta salary — and vice versa.
$60,000
$40,000
$90,000
$80,000
$54,000
$119,000
$100,000
$67,000
$149,000
$120,000
$80,000
$179,000
$150,000
$101,000
$224,000
Calculated using a weighted index: rent (40%), home prices (20%), groceries (20%), utilities (10%), state income tax (10%). Individual lifestyles vary.
Monthly Budget: Atlanta vs Austin
Who Each City Is Best For
Atlanta is best for
- ✓tech workers
- ✓film industry professionals
- ✓logistics professionals
- ✓Southern culture enthusiasts
Austin is best for
- ✓tech workers
- ✓young professionals
- ✓outdoor enthusiasts
- ✓musicians
FAQs
Is Atlanta or Austin cheaper to live in?
Austin is 33% cheaper than Atlanta overall. Austin 1BR rent ($1,650/mo) vs Atlanta ($1,650/mo). Median home price: Austin $548K vs Atlanta $385K.
How much salary do I need in Austin to match $100K in Atlanta?
$67,000 in Austin is equivalent to $100,000 in Atlanta based on cost of living differences. The biggest factors are rent (+0% difference) and state taxes (Atlanta: 5.49% vs Austin: None).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Austin?
1BR: Atlanta $1,650/mo vs Austin $1,650/mo (+0%). 2BR: Atlanta $2,100/mo vs Austin $2,100/mo (+0%).
Does Atlanta or Austin have lower taxes?
Atlanta (GA) has 5.49% state income tax. Austin (TX) has None state income tax. On a $100K salary, the annual tax difference is ~$5,490.