Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Raleigh is 5% more affordable than Atlanta. A $75,000 salary in Atlanta is equivalent to $71,495 in Raleigh.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Georgia salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Atlanta has a housing index of 113 while Raleigh sits at 107 (national average = 100). The median home in Atlanta costs $350,000 compared to $370,000 in Raleigh, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Atlanta versus $1,500 in Raleigh.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Atlanta scores 104 while Raleigh scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Atlanta (101) are lower than Raleigh (108).
Median household income in Atlanta is $59,948 compared to $67,266 in Raleigh. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Raleigh.
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