Is Atlanta, GA cheaper than Boston, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Atlanta, GA is 28.9% cheaper than Boston, MA. This translates to saving $2164 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Boston, MA, you'd need approximately $124,026.846 in Atlanta, GA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Atlanta, GA is 50.2% cheaper than in Boston, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,140/month in Atlanta, GA compared to $3,865/month in Boston, MA.

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

Moving from Boston, MA to Atlanta, GA could save you approximately $2164 per month, or $25973 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Boston, MA

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Atlanta, GA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Boston, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.2K/month moving to Atlanta, GA

$150.0K in your current city equals $124.0K in Atlanta, GA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 28.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,164

Savings

Annual Impact

$26.0K

Per year

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

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$961K

Atlanta, GA

Population:499K

Cost Index:71

Median Home:$441K

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Boston, MA vs Atlanta, GA

Category	Boston, MA	Atlanta, GA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,275/mo	$2,625/mo	↓ $2,651less	50.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,830/mo	$1,448/mo	↓ $382less	20.9%
🏥Healthcare	$743/mo	$589/mo	↓ $155less	20.8%
⚡All Utilities	$716/mo	$585/mo	↓ $131less	18.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$959/mo	↓ $120less	11.1%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $100more	5.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 50.2%

Boston, MA

$5,275

Atlanta, GA

$2,625

Difference

$2,651

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 20.9%

Boston, MA

$1,830

Atlanta, GA

$1,448

Difference

$382

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 20.8%

Boston, MA

$743

Atlanta, GA

$589

Difference

$155

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 18.3%

Boston, MA

$716

Atlanta, GA

$585

Difference

$131

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.1%

Boston, MA

$1,079

Atlanta, GA

$959

Difference

$120

less

📦Other

↑ 5.5%

Boston, MA

$1,825

Atlanta, GA

$1,925

Difference

$100

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$3,095

To$1,865

↓ $1,230

1 Bed

From$3,255

To$1,950

↓ $1,305

2 Bed

From$3,865

To$2,140

↓ $1,725

3 Bed

From$4,630

To$2,565

↓ $2,065

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/mo

Atlanta, GAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,110–$2,490/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.

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$8,130

Monthly in Atlanta, GA

$3,339

Difference

Home Values

Boston

Atlanta

$961K

Median Value

$441K

↓ -0.7%

YoY Change

↓ -2.6%

↑ +7%

5-Year Change

↑ +17.9%

$709K - $3.40M

Price Range

$202K - $1.46M

Homes in Atlanta are 54% less expensive than Boston

Calculate payment - Boston Calculate payment - Atlanta

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $953

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$79.38

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.6%

Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

Atlanta, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.