Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Atlanta is 3% cheaper than Tacoma.

$1,617/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↓ 1%
$81,938/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 2%
$420,600 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 8%
$1,695/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 3%
499,287
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,919/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Atlanta or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Atlanta is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Tacoma?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $20/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Tacoma?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $1,919/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Washington?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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