Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Tampa, FL (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Tampa

Florida
113

Atlanta is 8% more expensive than Tampa.

$1,617/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,567/mo ↓ 3%
$81,938/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$71,302/yr ↓ 13%
$420,600 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$375,300 ↓ 11%
$1,695/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 8%
499,287
Population
393,389

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Tampa, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $50/month cheaper in Tampa, saving renters about $600/year.

Median household income is $10,636/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $375,300 in Tampa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Tampa — common questions

Is Atlanta or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Tampa?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Tampa it's $1,567/month — a difference of $50/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Tampa?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $71,302 in Tampa. Median household income is $10,636/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Florida?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Tampa?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while Tampa has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,567/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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