Side-by-side · Software Engineer
New York vs Atlanta
Move Value
+$28k
real, after tax + COL · per year
Career Velocity
7/10
NYC: 9/10 → regression
10-Year Outlook
+$319k
± $160k confidence band
| New York | Atlanta | |
|---|---|---|
| P50 salary, role | $167k | $133k |
| State + local income tax | 9.0% | 4.9% |
| After-tax income | $109k | $95k |
| Cost of living (US = 100) | 187 | 109 |
| Median 1BR rent | $3406/mo | $1825/mo |
| Real purchasing power | $59k | $87k |
| Career Velocity (this role) | 9/10 | 7/10 |
| Career Velocity v1 (0–100) | 69 · Strong | 71 · Strong |
| Walkability (0–10) | 10 | 5 |
| Outdoors (0–10) | 4 | 7 |
Who should make this move
Choose Atlanta if…
- ·You want $28k more real income per year on day one.
- ·Your 10-year picture lands $319k ahead.
- ·Media, logistics, and film — the Southern career hub.
Stay in New York if…
- ·Career Velocity is higher in NYC (9/10 vs 7/10) for your field.
- ·You're optimizing for what NYC uniquely offers: the career accelerator with the highest price of admission.
A note on the numbers: Salaries are role-P50 from BLS-style bands. Tax is statutory state + local at ~$110k single. The 10-year outlook uses a 3-year promotion cadence with a small velocity adjustment, 2.5% COL inflation, and discounts to today's dollars. Full assumptions on the methodology page.