Is Atlanta, GA cheaper than Chicago, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Atlanta, GA is 1.9% cheaper than Chicago, IL. This translates to saving $146 per month.

What salary do I need in Atlanta, GA to live like I do in Chicago, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Chicago, IL, you'd need approximately $148,251.619 in Atlanta, GA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Chicago, IL and Atlanta, GA?

Housing in Atlanta, GA is 14.4% cheaper than in Chicago, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,140/month in Atlanta, GA compared to $1,925/month in Chicago, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Chicago, IL to Atlanta, GA?

Moving from Chicago, IL to Atlanta, GA could save you approximately $146 per month, or $1748 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Chicago, IL

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Atlanta, GA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Chicago, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $146/month moving to Atlanta, GA

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.3K in Atlanta, GA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 1.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$146

Savings

Annual Impact

$1.7K

Per year

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

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$305K

Atlanta, GA

Population:499K

Cost Index:98

Median Home:$441K

Chicago, IL

The Prairie State

2.7M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Architectural landmark city
•Great Lakes location

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyManufacturingTransportation

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: Chicago, IL vs Atlanta, GA

Category	Chicago, IL	Atlanta, GA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,066/mo	$2,625/mo	↓ $442less	14.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,680/mo	$1,448/mo	↓ $232less	13.8%
📦Other	$1,758/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $167more	9.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$959/mo	↓ $69.95less	6.8%
⚡All Utilities	$519/mo	$585/mo	↑ $65.57more	12.6%
🏥Healthcare	$595/mo	$589/mo	↓ $6.20less	1.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 14.4%

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Atlanta, GA

$2,625

Difference

$442

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 13.8%

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Atlanta, GA

$1,448

Difference

$232

less

📦Other

↑ 9.5%

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Atlanta, GA

$1,925

Difference

$167

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.8%

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Atlanta, GA

$959

Difference

$69.95

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 12.6%

Chicago, IL

$519

Atlanta, GA

$585

Difference

$65.57

🏥Healthcare

↓ 1.0%

Chicago, IL

$595

Atlanta, GA

$589

Difference

$6.20

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,600

To$1,865

↑ $265

1 Bed

From$1,710

To$1,950

↑ $240

2 Bed

From$1,925

To$2,140

↑ $215

3 Bed

From$2,480

To$2,565

↑ $85.00

Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,140–$2,370/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.

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$8,130

Monthly in Atlanta, GA

$517

Difference

Home Values

Chicago

Atlanta

$305K

Median Value

$441K

↑ +1.8%

YoY Change

↓ -2.6%

↑ +10.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +17.9%

$116K - $611K

Price Range

$202K - $1.46M

Homes in Atlanta are 44% more expensive than Chicago

Calculate payment - Chicago Calculate payment - Atlanta

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $1.0K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$85.63

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.7%

Rate difference

Chicago, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

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

Chicago, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

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.