Is Atlanta, GA cheaper than Philadelphia, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Atlanta, GA is 4.7% more expensive than Philadelphia, PA. This translates to spending an extra $356 per month.

What salary do I need in Atlanta, GA to live like I do in Philadelphia, PA?

If you earn $150,000 in Philadelphia, PA, you'd need approximately $154,268.775 in Atlanta, GA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Philadelphia, PA and Atlanta, GA?

Housing in Atlanta, GA is 13.5% more expensive than in Philadelphia, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,140/month in Atlanta, GA compared to $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Philadelphia, PA to Atlanta, GA?

Living in Atlanta, GA costs approximately $356 more per month than Philadelphia, PA, or $4269 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Philadelphia, PA

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Atlanta, GA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Philadelphia, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $356/month more in Atlanta, GA

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.3K in Atlanta, GA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area

Overall Cost

↑ 4.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$356

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.3K

Per year

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

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$241K

Atlanta, GA

Population:499K

Cost Index:105

Median Home:$441K

Philadelphia, PA

The Keystone State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Birthplace of America
•Cheesesteak city
•Major East Coast hub

Major Industries

HealthcareEducationFinanceManufacturing

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: Philadelphia, PA vs Atlanta, GA

Category	Philadelphia, PA	Atlanta, GA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,313/mo	$2,625/mo	↑ $312more	13.5%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,925/mo	↑ $151more	8.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,104/mo	$959/mo	↓ $145less	13.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,448/mo	↑ $27.32more	1.9%
⚡All Utilities	$607/mo	$585/mo	↓ $21.86less	3.6%
🏥Healthcare	$607/mo	$589/mo	↓ $18.59less	3.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 13.5%

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Atlanta, GA

$2,625

Difference

$312

📦Other

↑ 8.5%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Atlanta, GA

$1,925

Difference

$151

🛒Groceries

↓ 13.1%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Atlanta, GA

$959

Difference

$145

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 1.9%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Atlanta, GA

$1,448

Difference

$27.32

⚡All Utilities

↓ 3.6%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Atlanta, GA

$585

Difference

$21.86

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 3.1%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Atlanta, GA

$589

Difference

$18.59

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia Wage Tax (resident)$5,625/yr (3.8%)

Atlanta, GA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,280

To$1,865

↑ $585

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,950

↑ $560

2 Bed

From$1,660

To$2,140

↑ $480

3 Bed

From$1,990

To$2,565

↑ $575

Philadelphia, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$2,280/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.

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$8,130

Monthly in Atlanta, GA

$304

Difference

Home Values

Philadelphia

Atlanta

$241K

Median Value

$441K

↑ +2.8%

YoY Change

↓ -2.6%

↑ +9%

5-Year Change

↑ +17.9%

$71K - $855K

Price Range

$202K - $1.46M

Homes in Atlanta are 83% more expensive than Philadelphia

Calculate payment - Philadelphia Calculate payment - Atlanta

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $3.8K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$321

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.6%

Rate difference

Philadelphia, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

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

Philadelphia, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

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.