Salary & Cost of Living in Atlanta, GA
Atlanta, GA: $72,000 median salary, cost of living index 107, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$72,000
$35/hr
Cost of Living
107
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
3.2%
rate
Atlanta, GA Overview
Population
498,715
Median Salary
$72,000
Average Salary
$80,000
Avg Commute
28 min
Median Home Price
$380,000
Median Rent
$1,700/mo
Job Growth
+2.8%
Sales Tax
8.9%
Atlanta is located in Georgia with a population of 498,715. The median household salary is $72,000 per year ($35/hour), which is $12,616 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +2.8%.
Atlanta Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Atlanta, GA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$55,157
$4,596.43/month · $2,121.43/biweekly · Effective Rate: 23.4%
Gross Pay
$72,000
Federal Tax
-$7,454
State Tax
-$3,881
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$5,508
Net Pay
$55,157
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $6,000.00 | $72,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$621.17 | -$7,454.00 |
| Georgia State Tax (5.39%) | -$323.40 | -$3,880.80 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$372.00 | -$4,464.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$87.00 | -$1,044.00 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $4,596.43 | $55,157.20 |
Salary Comparison: Atlanta vs Other Cities
See how Atlanta's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta, GA | $72,000 | 107 | $67,290 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Chula Vista, CA | $72,000 | 140 | $51,429 |
| Elk Grove, CA | $72,000 | 115 | $62,609 |
| Roseville, CA | $72,000 | 115 | $62,609 |
| Arvada, CO | $72,000 | 110 | $65,455 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Atlanta
Atlanta's cost of living index is 107 (national average = 100). Living in Atlanta is 7% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$380,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,700
Annual Rent Cost
$20,400
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $55,157 annual take-home pay in Atlanta has the purchasing power of approximately $51,549 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $77,040 in Atlanta to match a $72,000 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Atlanta
Atlanta's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $72,000.
Salary Tips for Atlanta Workers
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 5.39% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Atlanta's top industries include Technology, Finance, Entertainment. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $72,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
Explore Salaries Across the US
Compare salary data and cost of living for hundreds of US cities. Find out where your paycheck goes the furthest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Atlanta, GA?
The median salary in Atlanta, GA is $72,000 per year, or $35 per hour. The average salary is $80,000. This is $12,616 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Atlanta, GA?
Atlanta's cost of living index is 107 (national average = 100), meaning it is 7% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $380,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,700.
What are the best industries in Atlanta?
The top industries in Atlanta, GA include Technology, Finance, Entertainment. The city has a job growth rate of 2.8% and an unemployment rate of 3.2%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $72,000.
How does Atlanta's salary compare to other cities?
Atlanta's median salary of $72,000 is 21.2% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 107), the real purchasing power is approximately $67,290.
What is the minimum wage in Atlanta, GA?
The minimum wage in Atlanta, GA is $7.25 per hour. This equals approximately $15,080 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.