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

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Atlanta is 5% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,617/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 13%
$81,938/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 17%
$420,600 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$405,600 ↓ 4%
$1,695/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 6%
499,287
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $208/month cheaper in Atlanta, saving renters about $2,496/year.

Median household income is $14,319/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Richardson — common questions

Is Atlanta or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Atlanta is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Richardson?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $208/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Richardson?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $14,319/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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