Atlanta vs Dallas: cost of living compared
Dallas is 3% cheaper than Atlanta overall. Dallas (TX) has no state income tax; GA tops out around 5.49%.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Comparing Atlanta and Dallas reveals a slightly lower overall cost of living in Dallas. This difference is primarily driven by more affordable housing and transportation expenses in the Texas metro. While some costs like utilities are higher in Dallas, these are generally offset by savings in other significant categories, making Dallas the more budget-friendly option for many common expenditures. The absence of a state income tax in Texas also plays a substantial role in the overall financial picture.
Housing
Housing costs are noticeably lower in Dallas, whether you're looking to buy a home or rent an apartment. Median home prices are more affordable, and typical one-bedroom rents also present a better value compared to Atlanta. While both metros offer a mix of housing styles, Dallas generally provides more accessible entry points into homeownership. Property taxes can be a consideration in Texas, but the initial purchase price and monthly rent are often more favorable.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses show some variation. Transportation costs are significantly lower in Dallas, reflecting potentially shorter commutes or different public transit options. Food and healthcare expenses are roughly similar between the two cities. However, utilities are somewhat higher in Dallas. A major financial distinction is the absence of a state income tax in Texas, which can lead to considerable savings on take-home pay compared to Georgia's income tax structure.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Both metros are large, bustling southern cities with warm climates, though Dallas experiences hotter summers and a drier heat. Atlanta is known for its lush, green landscape and rolling hills, while Dallas is flatter. Getting around in both cities often relies on personal vehicles, though each has some public transit options. Atlanta's traffic can be particularly challenging, leading to longer average commute times. Dallas generally offers a slightly quicker daily commute.
Bottom line
For those weighing a move, Dallas generally offers a more favorable financial outlook due to its lower housing and transportation costs, alongside the significant advantage of no state income tax. While utilities might be a bit higher there, these are typically outweighed by savings elsewhere. Atlanta presents a higher overall cost, largely due to its housing market and transportation expenses, plus the state income tax. Your budget will likely stretch further in Dallas.
| Measure | Atlanta, GA | Dallas, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 108 | 105 |
| Housing index | 105 | 99 |
| Transportation index | 116 | 104 |
| Food index | 98 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 102 | 102 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 105 |
| Misc index | 98 | 98 |
| Median home price | $378,000 | $358,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,550/mo | $1,450/mo |
| Average commute | 33 min | 29 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Dallas home with the True Cost Calculator.