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Atlanta (Metro Atlanta) has a cost of living 6% above the US average. Combined with GA's state income tax, your real purchasing power can be very different from your gross salary.
106
Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
$1,700
Avg 1BR Rent
per month
5.75%
State Income Tax
top rate
+6%
vs US Average
cost of living
| Salary | Monthly Take-Home | Rent % of Income | Equivalent US Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $2,652/mo | 64% | $37,736 |
| $50,000 | $3,274/mo | 52% | $47,170 |
| $60,000 | $3,895/mo | 44% | $56,604 |
| $70,000 | $4,448/mo | 38% | $66,038 |
| $80,000 | $4,987/mo | 34% | $75,472 |
| $90,000 | $5,525/mo | 31% | $84,906 |
| $100,000 | $6,063/mo | 28% | $94,340 |
| $120,000 | $7,132/mo | 24% | $113,208 |
| $150,000 | $8,697/mo | 20% | $141,509 |
| $200,000 | $11,467/mo | 15% | $188,679 |
* Take-home estimates federal + state taxes (single filer, standard deduction). "Equivalent US Salary" = what Atlanta salary buys nationally.
Is $80,000 a good salary in Atlanta?
In Atlanta (cost of living index: 106, US avg=100), $80,000/year has the purchasing power of $75,472 in an average US city. Your monthly take-home after federal + state taxes is approximately $4,987. The average 1-bedroom in Atlanta costs around $1,700/month — that's 34% of your take-home pay.
What is the cost of living in Atlanta?
Atlanta's cost of living index is 106 compared to the US average of 100. This means living in Atlanta is 6% more expensive than the US average. GA also has a state income tax of up to 5.75%.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Atlanta?
Using the 30% rent rule, your gross salary should be at least $88,400 to afford the average 1-bedroom in Atlanta ($1,700/month) with some comfort. A household income of $84,800 or more is generally considered comfortable in Atlanta.
Does Atlanta have a state income tax?
Yes — GA has a state income tax. For most earners, the effective state rate is around 5.75%. This reduces your take-home pay compared to no-income-tax states like Texas, Florida, or Nevada.
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