Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Atlanta is 19% more affordable than Columbia. A $75,000 salary in Columbia is equivalent to $60,795 in Atlanta.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Georgia salaries · Maryland salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Atlanta has a housing index of 113 while Columbia sits at 172 (national average = 100). The median home in Atlanta costs $350,000 compared to $430,000 in Columbia, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Atlanta versus $1,900 in Columbia.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Atlanta scores 104 while Columbia scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Atlanta (101) match Columbia (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Atlanta is $59,948 compared to $112,738 in Columbia. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Atlanta.
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