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Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Boston, MA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

26.2% Boston, MA is more expensive overall
50.9% 50.9% more expensive housing
7.8% 7.8% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 50.9% more
Atlanta
114
Boston
172
🛒 Groceries 7.8% more
Atlanta
102
Boston
110
🚗 Transportation 8.3% more
Atlanta
109
Boston
118
🏥 Healthcare 12.7% more
Atlanta
102
Boston
115
⚡ Utilities 13.1% more
Atlanta
99
Boston
112

Detailed Breakdown

Category Atlanta, GA Boston, MA Difference
Overall Cost Index10713526.2% more
Housing11417250.9% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,650$2,60057.6% more
Median Home Price$380,000$700,00084.2% more
Groceries1021107.8% more
Transportation1091188.3% more
Healthcare10211512.7% more
Utilities9911213.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Atlanta, GA Boston, MA
State Income Tax5.39%9.00% (top)
State Sales Tax4.00%6.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.72%1.14%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Atlanta, GA
$75,000
Median household income
Boston, MA
$98,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Boston outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Boston to maintain your Atlanta lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Atlanta (107) vs Boston (135). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Atlanta3.7%
Boston3.6%
Job Growth (YoY)
Atlanta3.4%
Boston2.9%
Top Industries
AtlantaLogistics, Film, Tech
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Atlanta32 min
Boston31 min
Walk Score
Atlanta48
Boston82
Air Quality (AQI)
Atlanta43
Boston38
Avg Temperature
Atlanta62°F
Boston51°F
Population
Atlanta499,127
Boston675,647

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Atlanta and Boston → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Boston →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Atlanta or Boston cheaper to live in?+
Atlanta is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 50.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Atlanta vs Boston?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,650/month in Atlanta and $2,600/month in Boston — a difference of about $950 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Atlanta or Boston?+
Georgia has a state income tax of 5.39% and sales tax of 4.00%. Massachusetts has a state income tax of 9.00% (top) and sales tax of 6.25%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Atlanta to Boston?+
Median household income in Atlanta is $75,000 compared to $98,000 in Boston. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Atlanta vs Boston?+
The median home price in Atlanta is $380,000 versus $700,000 in Boston — a difference of $320,000. Property tax rates also differ: Georgia averages 0.72% while Massachusetts averages 1.14%.