Moving from Portland to Atlanta (2026)
Atlanta has a COL index of 110 vs 125 for Portland (100 = US average). You'd pay about 12% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$6/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
125110
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,900$1,900
per month
State tax
9.9%5.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,122$4,397
per month
Salary needed in Atlanta to match your Portland lifestyle
Based on the 12% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Portland | Equivalent in Atlanta |
|---|---|
| $40K | $35,200 |
| $50K | $44,000 |
| $60K | $52,800 |
| $75K | $66,000 |
| $80K | $70,400 |
| $100K | $88,000 |
| $120K | $105,600 |
| $150K | $132,000 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Portland vs Atlanta
| Expense | Portland | Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,122 | $4,397 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,900 |
| Groceries | $407 | $376 |
| Transport | $100 | $95 |
| Utilities | $130 | $165 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,520 | $1,801 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Atlanta cheaper than Portland?
Yes. Atlanta has a cost of living index of 110 vs 125 for Portland (100 = US average). That's about 12% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Portland to Atlanta?
On a $75K salary, moving from Portland to Atlanta could save roughly $6/month on core expenses. That's ~$72/year.
What salary do I need in Atlanta to match my Portland lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Portland, you'd need roughly $66,000/year in Atlanta. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Atlanta to PortlandPortland vs Atlanta — full comparisonPortland cost of livingAtlanta 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