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Atlanta vs Washington: prices, pay and housing
| Atlanta, GA | Washington, DC | |
|---|---|---|
| BEA price parity (U.S. = 100) | 100.1 | 108.9 |
| Average salary, all jobs | $71,900 | $91,930 |
| Median salary, all jobs | $51,170 | $71,060 |
| Average salary adjusted for prices | $71,858 | $84,429 |
| Take-home on the average salary* | $56,572 | $68,657 |
| Typical home value | $382,938 | $583,013 |
| Median household income | $86,338 | $123,896 |
| Home price / household income | 4.4 | 4.7 |
| Metro population | 6,176,937 | 6,263,796 |
*Single filer, federal and state income tax and FICA (2026 rules); city income taxes included where we model them.
Compare with another city or state
Equivalent salary: Atlanta to Washington
To keep the same standard of living when moving from Atlanta to Washington, multiply your salary by 1.088.
| Salary in Atlanta | Same buying power in Washington |
|---|---|
| $50,000 in Atlanta | $54,410 in Washington |
| $75,000 in Atlanta | $81,616 in Washington |
| $100,000 in Atlanta | $108,821 in Washington |
| $150,000 in Atlanta | $163,231 in Washington |
| $200,000 in Atlanta | $217,642 in Washington |
Salaries for common jobs in Atlanta and Washington
| Job | Atlanta | Washington | Adjusted for prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| General and Operations Managers | $141,560 | $163,620 | $141,478 / $150,270 |
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $96,810 | $113,390 | $96,754 / $104,138 |
| Software Developers | $135,870 | $153,100 | $135,791 / $140,608 |
| Retail Salespersons | $35,050 | $39,600 | $35,030 / $36,369 |
| Management Analysts | $110,990 | $145,310 | $110,926 / $133,454 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $28,340 | $35,550 | $28,324 / $32,649 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $36,120 | $39,660 | $36,099 / $36,424 |
| Cashiers | $30,470 | $36,630 | $30,452 / $33,641 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $31,880 | $39,110 | $31,862 / $35,919 |
| Lawyers | $206,950 | $226,780 | $206,830 / $208,277 |
| Registered Nurses | $99,760 | $104,590 | $99,702 / $96,056 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $26,870 | $51,820 | $26,854 / $47,592 |
| Managers, All Other | $141,090 | $176,670 | $141,008 / $162,255 |
| Accountants and Auditors | $97,920 | $113,640 | $97,863 / $104,368 |
| Security Guards | $38,790 | $54,430 | $38,768 / $49,989 |
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Average salary vs. price-adjusted salary
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Atlanta vs Washington: questions
Is Atlanta more expensive than Washington?
No. BEA prices are 100.1 in Atlanta, GA and 108.9 in Washington, DC (U.S. = 100).
What salary do I need in Washington to match $100,000 in Atlanta?
About $108,821, before taxes.
Where do salaries go further, Atlanta or Washington?
Washington, DC: once prices are counted, its average salary buys more.
Sources and how to read this page
- Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas.
- Home values: Zillow Home Value Index; income and population: Census ACS 5-year 2023.
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