Median rent is 15% lower in Atlanta ($1,711/mo vs $2,018/mo). Buying is cheaper in Atlanta, where the median home runs $439,600 versus $1,039,500. Households earn more in Boulder ($87,493 vs $85,652 a year). Taken together, Atlanta is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 100.5 against 100.6 — about 0% lower overall prices.
City A
Atlanta, GA
City B
Boulder, CO
How much would you need to earn in Boulder, CO to maintain your standard of living from Atlanta, GA?
Equivalent salary in Boulder, CO
$75,099
You'd need $99 more (0% higher).
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
Atlanta
Georgia
Boulder
Colorado
👥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 $1,711/mo compared to $2,018/mo in Boulder (15% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Boulder: the median home is $1,039,500 versus $439,600 in Atlanta — 58% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Atlanta
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Boulder
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Atlanta (avg AQI 52.0) but not yet for Boulder.
Pick Atlanta if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,711/mo median).
Is Atlanta cheaper than Boulder?
Atlanta is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 100.5 versus 100.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Atlanta.
How much is rent in Atlanta vs Boulder?
Median rent is $1,711/mo in Atlanta, GA and $2,018/mo in Boulder, CO. Atlanta, GA has the lower rent by about 15%.
Which has higher salaries — Atlanta or Boulder?
Median household income is $85,652 in Atlanta, GA and $87,493 in Boulder, CO. Boulder, CO 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 — Atlanta or Boulder?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Boulder to match my Atlanta income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Atlanta, GA is equivalent to roughly $100,132 in Boulder, CO (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
