Atlanta vs Boston
Cost of Living (2026)

Atlanta is 64% less expensive than Boston.

Enter your salary → get exact comparison

At a glance

Atlanta, GA

COL index99 ✓
State income tax5.75%
Avg 1BR rent$1,550/mo ✓
Median home price$390K ✓
VS

Boston, MA

COL index162
State income tax5% ✓
Avg 1BR rent$2,900/mo
Median home price$720K

Cost breakdown by category

CategoryAtlanta indexBoston indexDifference
Housing129 ✓214+85%
Groceries94 ✓152+58%
Transportation95 ✓151+56%
Healthcare96 ✓156+60%
Utilities95 ✓144+49%

Source: C2ER Cost of Living Index 2026. Index = 100 is US average. ✓ indicates lower cost.

Salary equivalency: Atlanta → Boston

What salary in Boston gives you the same purchasing power as your Atlanta salary?

Salary in AtlantaEquivalent in BostonDifference
$60,000$97,000+$37,000
$80,000$129,000+$49,000
$100,000$162,000+$62,000
$130,000$210,000+$80,000
$150,000$243,000+$93,000
$200,000$324,000+$124,000

Atlanta vs Boston: Full Cost of Living Comparison (2026)

When comparing the cost of living between Atlanta, GA and Boston, MA, Atlanta comes out significantly more affordable with a COL index of 99 versus 162 for Boston — a difference of approximately 64%.

State income tax impact

Atlanta workers pay 5.75% Georgia state income tax, while Boston workers pay 5%.

Housing costs

The median home price in Atlanta is $390,000, compared to $720,000 in Boston. Average 1-bedroom rent is $1,550/month in Atlanta versus $2,900/month in Boston.

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