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

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Atlanta

Georgia
122

Dallas is 25% cheaper than Atlanta.

$1,403/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,617/mo ↑ 15%
$67,760/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$81,938/yr ↑ 21%
$295,300 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$420,600 ↑ 42%
$1,409/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,695/mo ↑ 20%
1,299,553
Population
499,287

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Atlanta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $214/month cheaper in Dallas, saving renters about $2,568/year.

Median household income is $14,178/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $420,600 in Atlanta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Atlanta — common questions

Is Dallas or Atlanta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dallas is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Atlanta?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Atlanta it's $1,617/month — a difference of $214/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Atlanta?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $81,938 in Atlanta. Median household income is $14,178/year higher in Atlanta.
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 Dallas or Atlanta?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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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