Atlanta vs Raleigh: Cost of Living Comparison
Compare cost of living between Atlanta, GA and Raleigh, NC. Side-by-side breakdown of housing costs, rent, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, state taxes, and salary equivalents.
vs
City A
Atlanta
Georgia
Cost Index100.1
Median Rent$1,711/mo
Median Income$86K
State Tax5.39%
Average
City B
Raleigh
North Carolina
Cost Index98.2
Median Rent$1,572/mo
Median Income$85K
State Tax3.99%
Below Average
Better value overall
Salary Equivalency Calculator
How much would you need in Raleigh to match your lifestyle in Atlanta?
$80,000
Atlanta
$80,000
Cost Index: 100.1
Raleigh
$78,480
Cost Index: 98.2
You need $1,520 less in Raleigh to maintain the same lifestyle.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index scores where 100 = national average. Green highlights the city with the advantage.
Overall Cost Index-1.9%
Atlanta100.1
Raleigh98.2
Median Rent-8.1%
Atlanta$2K
Raleigh$2K
Median Income~equal
Atlanta$86K
Raleigh$85K
Grocery Index-67.8%
Atlanta310.3
Raleigh100.0
Utilities Index~equal
Atlanta100.0
Raleigh100.0
Transportation-62.6%
Atlanta267.5
Raleigh100.0
Healthcare~equal
Atlanta100.0
Raleigh100.0
State Tax Rate-26.0%
Atlanta5.39%
Raleigh3.99%
Side-by-Side Chart
Atlanta: Pros & Cons
Higher median income ($86K)
2% higher overall cost of living
Higher rent — $1,711/mo vs $1,572/mo
Higher state income tax (5.39%)
Raleigh: Pros & Cons
2% lower overall cost of living
Lower rent — $1,572/mo vs $1,711/mo
Lower state income tax (3.99%)
Lower grocery costs
Lower unemployment (3%)
Atlanta vs Raleigh – FAQ
Common questions about comparing cost of living between Atlanta and Raleigh.
Atlanta has a cost of living index of 100.1, while Raleigh scores 98.2. Atlanta is approximately -1.9% more expensive overall. This comparison accounts for housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
Median 2-bedroom rent in Atlanta is $1,711/month compared to $1,572/month in Raleigh — a difference of 8%. Rent is typically the largest monthly expense, so this significantly impacts overall affordability.
Due to cost of living differences, you would need approximately 98% of your Atlanta salary to maintain the same standard of living in Raleigh. For example, a $75,000 salary in Atlanta would need to be about $73,575 in Raleigh. Use the salary slider above to calculate your specific equivalent.
The cost of living index is calculated using data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (Regional Price Parities), US Census Bureau (median incomes and home values), HUD (Fair Market Rents), and Bureau of Labor Statistics (consumer price data). A score of 100 represents the national average. Scores above 100 indicate higher-than-average costs, while scores below 100 are more affordable.
Atlanta has a median household income of $85,652 with an unemployment rate of 3.3%. Raleigh has a median household income of $85,395 with an unemployment rate of 3%. While income is higher in Atlanta, remember to factor in cost of living when comparing real purchasing power.
Beyond cost of living, consider: (1) state income tax differences — some states have no income tax; (2) housing market trends and whether to rent or buy; (3) job market strength in your industry; (4) healthcare costs and access; (5) climate and lifestyle preferences; (6) commute times and transportation options; and (7) proximity to family. Our comparison tool covers the financial factors, but quality of life matters too.