Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Atlanta and Austin have very similar costs of living, with less than a 3% difference overall.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Georgia salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Atlanta has a housing index of 113 while Austin sits at 123 (national average = 100). The median home in Atlanta costs $350,000 compared to $430,000 in Austin, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Atlanta versus $1,700 in Austin.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Atlanta scores 104 while Austin scores 96. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Atlanta (101) are higher than Austin (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Atlanta is $59,948 compared to $75,413 in Austin. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
Amazon affiliate links