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

San Antonio, TX leaves you more: $11,600/yr. On $120,000, Atlanta, GA leaves $64,805/yr in pocket (state tax $6,468, housing $19,147) vs San Antonio, TX's $76,405 (state tax $0, housing $14,015).

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 +$11,600/yr On $120,000, Atlanta, GA leaves $64,805/yr in pocket vs San Antonio, TX's $76,405 — 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)	$19,147	$14,015
Real money in pocket	$64,805	$76,405

Verified 2026-06-23 · 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 2026-05.

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FAQ

Is Atlanta, GA or San Antonio, TX cheaper?: On $120,000, San Antonio, TX — by $11,600/yr in real take-home.
What's the biggest driver?: State income tax (Georgia 5.39% vs Texas 0%) and housing cost.

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