Income Reality in Georgia — Taxes, Housing & Salary
Below-average costs, growing Atlanta metro, film industry
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFIncome tax overview
5.19% flat rate effective 2025 (Tax Foundation; phase-down from 5.39%)
Housing snapshot
Median 1BR rent in Atlanta is approximately $1,600 in metro areas. Outside Atlanta, rents drop to $900-$1,100 in smaller cities like Savannah and Augusta.
1BR FMR across major Georgia cities: $1,660 – $1,660/mo (HUD FY2026)
Cost of living summary
At an index of 93, Georgia is about 7% cheaper than the national average of 100.
Georgia offers a cost of living below the national average with a rapidly growing economy. Atlanta is a major business hub for finance, film, technology, and logistics.
Major cities
Purchasing power context
A $70,000 salary in Atlanta provides solid purchasing power — below-average costs partially offset a moderate income tax.
Purchasing Power Reality
What your salary feels like in other cities
Salary reality examples
Comfortable in Atlanta. Very comfortable in smaller Georgia cities.
Strong purchasing power statewide. Atlanta's below-average COL is a real advantage.
Excellent flexibility. Georgia's growing economy offers strong career prospects.
FAQ — Income Reality in Georgia
What is Georgia's income tax rate?
Georgia has a flat income tax rate of 5.49% in 2024, scheduled to decrease to 4.99% by 2029.
Is Atlanta affordable?
Atlanta has a cost of living index of approximately 93-95, below the national average. It offers a lower-cost alternative to coastal cities with comparable amenities.
Cities in Georgia
Related tools
Cost of Living Index from C2ER. This is a picture, not a verdict.