Is Atlanta, GA or San Antonio, TX cheaper on a $120,000 salary?

San Antonio, TX leaves you more: $11,602/yr. On $120,000, Atlanta, GA leaves $64,799/yr in pocket (state tax $6,468, housing $19,153) vs San Antonio, TX's $76,401 (state tax $0, housing $14,019).

The gap is driven mostly by state income tax (Georgia: 5.39% vs Texas: 0%) and housing.

WhereCanIAfford › Take-home › Atlanta, GA vs San Antonio, TX

Atlanta, GA vs San Antonio, TX: cost of living on $120,000

San Antonio, TX +$11,602/yr On $120,000, Atlanta, GA leaves $64,799/yr in pocket vs San Antonio, TX's $76,401 — after state income tax and housing.

Where the money goes

On $120,000	Atlanta, GA	San Antonio, TX
Federal + FICA (est.)	$29,580	$29,580
State income tax	$6,468 (5.39%)	$0 (0%)
After-tax income	$83,952	$90,420
− Housing/yr (Zillow)	$19,153	$14,019
Real money in pocket	$64,799	$76,401

Verified 2026-08-07 · State tax: Tax Foundation, “State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, 2025” + state revenue departments. Modeled as an effective planning rate for a typical $80k–$160k filer — not a full bracket engine. · Housing from Zillow ZHVI 2026-06.

Talk to a local agent →Moving supplies →

FAQ

Is Atlanta, GA or San Antonio, TX cheaper?: On $120,000, San Antonio, TX — by $11,602/yr in real take-home.
What's the biggest driver?: State income tax (Georgia 5.39% vs Texas 0%) and housing cost.

🏠 Where can I afford a house?
Your salary → every metro you can buy in.🔥 FIRE by town
Your portfolio → which towns retire you today.🧭 Best town for me
Budget + climate + politics → your ranked towns.💵 Take-home comparison
Salary after tax + housing, city vs city.