The numbers, side by side
| Metric | Dallas | Atlanta | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost-of-living index | 102 | 111 | +9 |
| 1-bed rent (avg) | $1,450 | $1,600 | +$150 |
| 2-bed rent (avg) | $1,900 | $2,050 | +$150 |
| Median household income | $61,248 | $62,348 | +$1,100 |
| Population | 1,343,573 | 498,044 | -845,529 |
What salary you'd need in Atlanta
To maintain your Dallas purchasing power, here's what you'd need to earn in Atlanta.
Dallas vs Atlanta: which makes more sense for you?
On paper, Atlanta's cost-of-living index of 111 runs roughly 8.8% higher than Dallas's 102. But that headline number papers over real differences in how that cost is distributed — rent might be far more expensive while groceries and transit costs run closer to even.
The rent gap
A 1-bedroom apartment in Dallas averages $1,450/month, vs $1,600/month in Atlanta — a +$150 difference. For 2-bedrooms, the gap widens to +$150/month. Over a year, the rent difference alone is $1,800 on a 1-bed.
Income context
Median household income in Dallas is $61,248, while Atlanta runs $62,348 (+$1,100 difference). That matters for how the cost-of-living gap actually feels day-to-day — if local salaries are also higher, the cost difference washes out partly. If local salaries lag the cost-of-living gap, your paycheck buys noticeably less.
State tax differences
Dallas is in Texas and Atlanta is in Georgia, so you'll also pick up a state-tax difference. Tax-free states like Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Washington, and Nevada deliver real take-home upside even when nominal salaries are similar.