Median rent is 2% lower in Atlanta ($1,617/mo vs $1,655/mo). Buying is cheaper in Atlanta, where the median home runs $420,600 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Austin ($91,461 vs $81,938 a year). Taken together, Atlanta is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.6 against 98.8 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Austin, TX.
City A
Atlanta, GA
City B
Austin, TX
How much would you need to earn in Austin, TX to maintain your standard of living from Atlanta, GA?
Equivalent salary in Austin, TX
$75,153
You'd need $153 more (0% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Atlanta
Georgia
Austin
Texas
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rents are similar in both cities: $1,617/mo in Atlanta and $1,655/mo in Austin. Median home values are within 18% of each other: $420,600 in Atlanta and $512,700 in Austin.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Georgia tops out at 5.49% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in Georgia and 6.25% in Texas; Atlanta has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Atlanta
Income tax: 5.49%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Austin has cleaner air on average: 47.0 AQI (Good) compared to 57.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Austin if you prioritize higher median household income ($91,461/yr).
Pick Austin if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 47.0).
Pick Austin if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Atlanta cheaper than Austin?
Atlanta is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.6 versus 98.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Atlanta.
How much is rent in Atlanta vs Austin?
Median rent is $1,617/mo in Atlanta, GA and $1,655/mo in Austin, TX. Atlanta, GA has the lower rent by about 2%.
Which has higher salaries — Atlanta or Austin?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta, GA and $91,461 in Austin, TX. Austin, TX has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Austin, TX has better air quality on average: 47.0 AQI versus 57.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Atlanta or Austin?
Texas has no state income tax. Georgia has a top rate of 5.49%.
What salary do I need in Austin to match my Atlanta income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Atlanta, GA is equivalent to roughly $100,204 in Austin, TX (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology