Moving from Chicago to Atlanta?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Chicago lifestyle in Atlanta, you'd need to earn:
$72,436/year
▼ $2,564 less than you make now
| Category | Chicago | Atlanta |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $72,436 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$7,550 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,491 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$1,050 |
| State Tax | -$3,713 | -$3,759 |
| Take-Home Pay | $57,436 | $55,585 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is -3.4% in Atlanta
- Housing is -0.9% in Atlanta
- At the same $75,000 salary, you'd pay $180/year in taxes in Atlanta
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~589 miles
DIY Truck
$3,000
Container
$5,000
Full-Service
$7,000
Salary Equivalents: Chicago to Atlanta
| Your Chicago Salary | Atlanta Equivalent | Difference | Atlanta Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $38,632 | -$1,368 | $31,074 |
| $50,000 | $48,291 | -$1,709 | $38,334 |
| $60,000 | $57,949 | -$2,051 | $45,593 |
| $75,000 | $72,436 | -$2,564 | $55,585 |
| $100,000 | $96,581 | -$3,419 | $71,318 |
| $150,000 | $144,872 | -$5,128 | $102,254 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Chicago and Atlanta Compare
Housing (1% cheaper in Atlanta)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Atlanta rents for $1,630/month compared to $1,975/month in Chicago. Median home prices: $411,000 in Atlanta vs $374,000 in Chicago.
Taxes
Illinois has a flat 5.0% state income tax. Georgia has a flat 5.2% state income tax. On a $75,000 salary, moving to Atlanta would cost you about $180/year in taxes alone.
Overall Cost of Living
Atlanta's overall cost of living is 3.4% lower than Chicago, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Chicago: 103.6, Atlanta: 100.1.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Chicago to Atlanta move. Average cost: $3,000–$7,000.
Compare Moving Quotes →Find Apartments in Atlanta
Average 1BR rent in Atlanta: $1,630/month. Browse available listings.
Search Apartments →High-Yield Savings
Park your moving fund in a 4.5%+ APY savings account while you plan your relocation.
Compare Savings Rates →