Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Tempe, AZ (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Atlanta and Tempe have a similar cost of living.

$1,617/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ≈ Same
$81,938/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↓ 5%
$420,600 ≈ Same
Home Value
$421,900 ≈ Same
$1,695/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↓ 8%
499,287
Population
186,419

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,295/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Tempe slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Tempe — common questions

Is Atlanta or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Tempe?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $6/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Tempe?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $4,295/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Arizona?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Atlanta details → View Tempe details →

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