Moving from Atlanta to Houston (2026)
Houston has a COL index of 95 vs 110 for Atlanta (100 = US average). You'd pay about 14% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$559/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
11095
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,900$1,350
per month
State tax
5.5%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,397$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Houston to match your Atlanta lifestyle
Based on the 14% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Atlanta | Equivalent in Houston |
|---|---|
| $40K | $34,545 |
| $50K | $43,182 |
| $60K | $51,818 |
| $75K | $64,773 |
| $80K | $69,091 |
| $100K | $86,364 |
| $120K | $103,636 |
| $150K | $129,545 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Atlanta vs Houston
| Expense | Atlanta | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,397 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,350 |
| Groceries | $376 | $357 |
| Transport | $95 | $90 |
| Utilities | $165 | $175 |
| Internet | $60 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $1,801 | $2,704 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Houston cheaper than Atlanta?
Yes. Houston has a cost of living index of 95 vs 110 for Atlanta (100 = US average). That's about 14% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Atlanta to Houston?
On a $75K salary, moving from Atlanta to Houston could save roughly $559/month on core expenses. That's ~$6,708/year.
What salary do I need in Houston to match my Atlanta lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Atlanta, you'd need roughly $64,773/year in Houston. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Houston to AtlantaAtlanta vs Houston — full comparisonAtlanta cost of livingHouston cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only