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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Atlanta

Georgia
122

Austin is 12% more expensive than Atlanta.

$1,655/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,617/mo ↓ 2%
$91,461/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$81,938/yr ↓ 10%
$512,700 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$420,600 ↓ 18%
$1,747/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,695/mo ↓ 3%
967,862
Population
499,287

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Atlanta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,523/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $420,600 in Atlanta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Atlanta — common questions

Is Austin or Atlanta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Atlanta is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Atlanta?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Atlanta it's $1,617/month — a difference of $38/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Atlanta?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $81,938 in Atlanta. Median household income is $9,523/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Georgia?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Atlanta?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,617/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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