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Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Columbus, OH

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

13.1% Columbus, OH is cheaper overall
24.6% 24.6% cheaper housing
5.9% 5.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 24.6% cheaper
Atlanta
114
Columbus
86
🛒 Groceries 5.9% cheaper
Atlanta
102
Columbus
96
🚗 Transportation 10.1% cheaper
Atlanta
109
Columbus
98
🏥 Healthcare 7.8% cheaper
Atlanta
102
Columbus
94
⚡ Utilities 4.0% cheaper
Atlanta
99
Columbus
95

Detailed Breakdown

Category Atlanta, GA Columbus, OH Difference
Overall Cost Index1079313.1% less
Housing1148624.6% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,650$1,10033.3% less
Median Home Price$380,000$260,00031.6% less
Groceries102965.9% less
Transportation1099810.1% less
Healthcare102947.8% less
Utilities99954.0% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Atlanta, GA Columbus, OH
State Income Tax5.39%3.50% (top)
State Sales Tax4.00%5.75%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.72%1.41%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Atlanta, GA
$75,000
Median household income
Columbus, OH
$64,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Columbus costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Atlanta (107) vs Columbus (93). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Atlanta3.7%
Columbus3.8%
Job Growth (YoY)
Atlanta3.4%
Columbus2.8%
Top Industries
AtlantaLogistics, Film, Tech
ColumbusInsurance, Education, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Atlanta32 min
Columbus23 min
Walk Score
Atlanta48
Columbus41
Air Quality (AQI)
Atlanta43
Columbus40
Avg Temperature
Atlanta62°F
Columbus52°F
Population
Atlanta499,127
Columbus905,748

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Planning Your Move?

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Atlanta or Columbus cheaper to live in?+
Columbus is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 24.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Atlanta vs Columbus?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,650/month in Atlanta and $1,100/month in Columbus — a difference of about $550 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Atlanta or Columbus?+
Georgia has a state income tax of 5.39% and sales tax of 4.00%. Ohio has a state income tax of 3.50% (top) and sales tax of 5.75%. 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 Columbus?+
Median household income in Atlanta is $75,000 compared to $64,000 in Columbus. 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 Columbus?+
The median home price in Atlanta is $380,000 versus $260,000 in Columbus — a difference of $120,000. Property tax rates also differ: Georgia averages 0.72% while Ohio averages 1.41%.