Median rent is 9% lower in Atlanta ($1,617/mo vs $1,779/mo). Buying is cheaper in Atlanta, where the median home runs $420,600 versus $751,700. Households earn more in Atlanta ($81,938 vs $79,713 a year). Taken together, Atlanta is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.6 against 113.0 — about 13% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Atlanta, GA.
Quick verdict
Atlanta is 13% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.6 in Atlanta vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
Atlanta, GA
City B
New York, NY
How much would you need to earn in New York, NY to maintain your standard of living from Atlanta, GA?
Equivalent salary in New York, NY
$85,936
You'd need $10,936 more (15% 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
New York
New York
👥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 $1,779/mo in New York (9% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $420,600 in Atlanta — 44% 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 10.90% in New York, so Atlanta is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in Georgia and 4.00% in New York; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Atlanta
Income tax: 5.49%
Sales tax: 4.00%
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Atlanta has cleaner air on average: 57.0 AQI (Moderate) compared to 61.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Atlanta if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.6 vs 113.0).
Pick Atlanta if you prioritize lower state income tax (5.49%).
Is Atlanta cheaper than New York?
Atlanta is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.6 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 13% lower in Atlanta.
How much is rent in Atlanta vs New York?
Median rent is $1,617/mo in Atlanta, GA and $1,779/mo in New York, NY. Atlanta, GA has the lower rent by about 9%.
Which has higher salaries — Atlanta or New York?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta, GA and $79,713 in New York, NY. Atlanta, 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?
Atlanta, GA has better air quality on average: 57.0 AQI versus 61.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Atlanta or New York?
Georgia's top income tax rate is 5.49% and New York's is 10.90%. Atlanta, GA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in New York to match my Atlanta income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Atlanta, GA is equivalent to roughly $114,581 in New York, NY (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