Atlanta vs Austin

Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Atlanta feels like approximately $61,706 in Austin.

Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFF

Your $60-80k in Atlanta feels like $61,706 in Austin. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 12%.

Income
Housing

Atlanta

Austin

Breathing Room
 
Housing Pressure
low
 
moderate
1BR Rent
$1,660/mo
 
$1,562/mo
State Tax
GA tax applies
 
No income tax
Take-Home /mo
$4,500
 
$4,803
Remote Work Fit
Atlanta is frequently explored by remote workers from Northeast and West Coast metros. Its housing accessibility, airport connectivity, and cultural depth make it a compelling destination.
 
Austin is frequently explored by remote workers leaving coastal metros. The no-state-income-tax advantage is meaningful, though housing costs have risen toward moderate pressure levels.
Walk Score
48
 
42
Comfortable
$60-80k · Atlanta vs Austin
Income Reality Check

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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?

THEN — $60-80k
NOW — $60-80k
~$4,500/mo take-home

At $60-80k in Atlanta, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.

No city is objectively better. Atlanta and Austin each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.

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FAQ

Atlanta vs Austin — FAQ

Is it cheaper to live in Atlanta or Austin?

HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,660/mo in Atlanta and $1,562/mo in Austin. Austin has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.

How much do I need to earn in Austin to match Atlanta?

At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Atlanta feels like approximately $61,706 in Austin — a reduction of about 12% in purchasing power.

What is the state tax difference between Atlanta and Austin?

Atlanta is in GA (GA levies income tax) and Austin is in TX (no state income tax). Source: Tax Foundation 2025.

Which city has more breathing room?

Breathing room depends on your income and housing situation. Use the interactive comparison above to see how each city's picture changes across income bands.

Income Reality Check is an educational tool, not financial advice. Your situation has more dimensions than any tool can capture.