Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Plano, TX (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Plano

Texas
132

Atlanta is 8% cheaper than Plano.

$1,617/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 11%
$81,938/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$108,649/yr ↑ 33%
$420,600 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$440,600 ↑ 5%
$1,695/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,829/mo ↑ 8%
499,287
Population
287,339

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Plano, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $175/month cheaper in Atlanta, saving renters about $2,100/year.

Median household income is $26,711/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $440,600 in Plano.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Plano residents a significant tax advantage over Georgia's 5.49% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Plano — common questions

Is Atlanta or Plano cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Atlanta is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Plano?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Plano it's $1,792/month — a difference of $175/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Plano?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $108,649 in Plano. Median household income is $26,711/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Texas?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Plano?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while Plano has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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