Business Analyst · Salary Comparison · 2026
Business Analyst Salary: Atlanta, GA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Business Analysts in Atlanta, GA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$85,000 vs $95,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Atlanta, GA
$78,704 vs $76,613
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$68,730 vs $70,790
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $85,000 | $95,000▲ | -$10,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,450 | $73,150▲ | -$7,700 |
| 75th Percentile | $108,800 | $121,600▲ | -$12,800 |
| 90th Percentile | $136,000 | $152,000▲ | -$16,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 124 | -16 |
| State Income Tax | 5.49% | 0%▲ | +5.49% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $78,704▲ | $76,613 | +$2,091 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $74,228 | $87,780▲ | -$13,552 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $68,730 | $70,790▲ | -$2,060 |
| Total Employment | 45,000 | 57,000 | -12,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Atlanta, GA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $10,000 more (median: $85,000 vs $95,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 108 vs 124), Atlanta, GA provides better purchasing power ($78,704 vs $76,613 equivalent). Austin, TX has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.