Median rent is 14% lower in Atlanta ($1,617/mo vs $1,874/mo). Buying is cheaper in Atlanta, where the median home runs $420,600 versus $605,700. Households earn more in Alpharetta ($146,581 vs $81,938 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (98.6).
City A
Alpharetta, GA
City B
Atlanta, GA
How much would you need to earn in Atlanta, GA to maintain your standard of living from Alpharetta, GA?
Equivalent salary in Atlanta, GA
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Alpharetta
Georgia
Atlanta
Georgia
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Atlanta at $1,617/mo compared to $1,874/mo in Alpharetta (14% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Alpharetta: the median home is $605,700 versus $420,600 in Atlanta — 31% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Georgia's top income tax rate is 5.49% versus 5.49% in Georgia, so Atlanta is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in Georgia and 4.00% in Georgia; Atlanta has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Alpharetta
Income tax: 5.49%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Atlanta
Income tax: 5.49%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Air quality data is available for Atlanta (avg AQI 57.0) but not yet for Alpharetta.
Pick Alpharetta if you prioritize higher median household income ($146,581/yr).
Pick Atlanta if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,617/mo median).
Is Alpharetta cheaper than Atlanta?
Alpharetta is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.6 versus 98.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Alpharetta.
How much is rent in Alpharetta vs Atlanta?
Median rent is $1,874/mo in Alpharetta, GA and $1,617/mo in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta, GA has the lower rent by about 14%.
Which has higher salaries — Alpharetta or Atlanta?
Median household income is $146,581 in Alpharetta, GA and $81,938 in Atlanta, GA. Alpharetta, GA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Alpharetta or Atlanta?
Georgia's top income tax rate is 5.49% and Georgia's is 5.49%. Atlanta, GA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Atlanta to match my Alpharetta income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Alpharetta, GA is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Atlanta, GA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology