🇺🇸 Atlanta vs 🇺🇸 Austin

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇺🇸

Atlanta

United States

$2,246–$3,556/mo

$2,246 – $3,556 / month (local)

🇺🇸

Austin

United States

$2,523–$3,995/mo

$2,523 – $3,995 / month (local)

Austin is 12% more expensive

Atlanta wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryAtlanta (USD)Austin (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,685–$2,621$1,892–$2,944🟢 Atlanta
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$889–$1,404$999–$1,577🟢 Atlanta
Utilities$70–$136$79–$152🟢 Atlanta
Groceries$356–$533$399–$599🟢 Atlanta
Eating out (mid-range meal)$47–$84$53–$95🟢 Atlanta
Public transport (monthly)$89–$108$100–$121🟢 Atlanta
Internet & Mobile$28–$47$32–$53🟢 Atlanta
Gym membership$33–$61$37–$68🟢 Atlanta
Cinema ticket$13–$17$15–$19🟢 Atlanta
Monthly total (single)$2,246–$3,556$2,523–$3,995🟢 Atlanta

See how your salary compares in both cities

Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).

Quality of life comparison

Housing4.5 / 10 · 4.8 / 10
Atlanta
Austin▲ better
Safety8.2 / 10 · 9.1 / 10
Atlanta
Austin▲ better
Healthcare8.2 / 10 · 9.1 / 10
Atlanta
Austin▲ better
Education7.8 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Atlanta
Austin▲ better
Environment8.6 / 10 · 9.5 / 10
Atlanta
Austin▲ better
Economy6.9 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Atlanta
Austin▲ better
Culture7.5 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Atlanta
Austin▲ better
Internet7.9 / 10 · 8.8 / 10
Atlanta
Austin▲ better

Who should choose which city?

Choose Atlanta if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Austin
  • ✓Airport hub
  • ✓Film industry
  • ✓Lower cost than coasts
  • ✓Logistics

Choose Austin if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what Austin offers vs Atlanta
  • ✓No state income tax
  • ✓Music scene
  • ✓Startups
  • ✓Tech transplants

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