Is Boston, MA cheaper than Atlanta, GA?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 40.6% more expensive than Atlanta, GA. This translates to spending an extra $3042 per month.

What salary do I need in Boston, MA to live like I do in Atlanta, GA?

If you earn $150,000 in Atlanta, GA, you'd need approximately $186,509.434 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Atlanta, GA and Boston, MA?

Housing in Boston, MA is 101.0% more expensive than in Atlanta, GA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $2,140/month in Atlanta, GA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Atlanta, GA to Boston, MA?

Living in Boston, MA costs approximately $3042 more per month than Atlanta, GA, or $36509 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Atlanta, GA

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Boston, MA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Atlanta, GA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.0K/month more in Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $186.5K in Boston, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, GA area

Overall Cost

↑ 40.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,042

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$36.5K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Atlanta, GA

Population:499K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$441K

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:141

Median Home:$961K

Atlanta, GA

The Peach State

499K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Capital of the South
•Delta Air Lines headquarters

Major Industries

TransportationTechnologyFilm ProductionFinance

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Atlanta, GA vs Boston, MA

Category	Atlanta, GA	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,625/mo	$5,275/mo	↑ $2,651more	101.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,448/mo	$1,830/mo	↑ $382more	26.4%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$743/mo	↑ $155more	26.3%
⚡All Utilities	$585/mo	$716/mo	↑ $131more	22.4%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $120more	12.5%
📦Other	$1,925/mo	$1,825/mo	↓ $100less	5.2%

🏠Housing

↑ 101.0%

Atlanta, GA

$2,625

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$2,651

🚗Transportation

↑ 26.4%

Atlanta, GA

$1,448

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$382

🏥Healthcare

↑ 26.3%

Atlanta, GA

$589

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$155

⚡All Utilities

↑ 22.4%

Atlanta, GA

$585

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$131

🛒Groceries

↑ 12.5%

Atlanta, GA

$959

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$120

📦Other

↓ 5.2%

Atlanta, GA

$1,925

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$100

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,865

To$3,095

↑ $1,230

1 Bed

From$1,950

To$3,255

↑ $1,305

2 Bed

From$2,140

To$3,865

↑ $1,725

3 Bed

From$2,565

To$4,630

↑ $2,065

Atlanta, GAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,110–$2,490/mo

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,130

Monthly in Atlanta, GA

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$3,339

Difference

Home Values

Atlanta

Boston

$441K

Median Value

$961K

↓ -2.6%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +17.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$202K - $1.46M

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 118% more expensive than Atlanta

Calculate payment - Atlanta Calculate payment - Boston

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $953

Per year

Monthly Difference

$79.38

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.6%

Rate difference

Atlanta, GA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Georgia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,711/month

$104.5K

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Additional Tax Information

Atlanta, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%

Property Tax:0.9%

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.