Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Phoenix is 7% more affordable than Atlanta. A $75,000 salary in Atlanta is equivalent to $70,093 in Phoenix.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Georgia salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Atlanta has a housing index of 113 while Phoenix sits at 102 (national average = 100). The median home in Atlanta costs $350,000 compared to $350,000 in Phoenix, a difference of $0. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Atlanta versus $1,400 in Phoenix.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Atlanta scores 104 while Phoenix scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Atlanta (101) are higher than Phoenix (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Atlanta is $59,948 compared to $57,459 in Phoenix. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Phoenix.
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