City Comparison · 2026
Atlanta vs Phoenix
Salary, rent, taxes, and purchasing power compared
Purchasing Power
$100k in Atlanta = $87k in Phoenix
Metric
Atlanta
Phoenix
COL Index
1.29
✓1.12
1BR Monthly Rent
$1,850/mo
✓$1,450/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
$2,350/mo
✓$1,820/mo
State Income Tax
GA
AZ
$100k Take-Home
$73,246
✓$76,236
$100k Effective Rate
26.75%
✓23.76%
$100k Savings Potential
$51,046
✓$58,836
After-Tax Income by Salary
| Gross Salary | Atlanta GA | Phoenix AZ |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $46,954 $3,913/mo · 21.74% eff. | $48,748 $4,062/mo · 18.75% eff. |
| $100,000 | $73,246 $6,104/mo · 26.75% eff. | $76,236 $6,353/mo · 23.76% eff. |
| $150,000 | $105,043 $8,754/mo · 29.97% eff. | $109,528 $9,127/mo · 26.98% eff. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Atlanta or Phoenix cheaper to live in?
Atlanta has a cost-of-living index of 1.29 while Phoenix is 1.12 (1.00 = US average). Phoenix is cheaper overall. 1BR rent in Atlanta is $1,850/month vs $1,450/month in Phoenix.
How much more do you need to earn in Atlanta vs Phoenix?
$100k in Atlanta = $87k in Phoenix. Cost of living in Phoenix is lower by 13.2%.
Which city has better after-tax income — Atlanta or Phoenix?
On a $100,000 salary, you take home $73,246 in GA (Atlanta) and $76,236 in AZ (Phoenix). After accounting for rent, your annual savings potential is $51,046 in Atlanta vs $58,836 in Phoenix.
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