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Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Philadelphia, PA

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

0.9% Philadelphia, PA is more expensive overall
3.5% 3.5% cheaper housing
3.9% 3.9% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 3.5% cheaper
Atlanta
114
Philadelphia
110
🛒 Groceries 3.9% more
Atlanta
102
Philadelphia
106
🚗 Transportation 2.8% more
Atlanta
109
Philadelphia
112
🏥 Healthcare 2.9% more
Atlanta
102
Philadelphia
105
⚡ Utilities 9.1% more
Atlanta
99
Philadelphia
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Atlanta, GA Philadelphia, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index107108~Same
Housing1141103.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,650$1,5009.1% less
Median Home Price$380,000$280,00026.3% less
Groceries1021063.9% more
Transportation1091122.8% more
Healthcare1021052.9% more
Utilities991089.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Atlanta, GA Philadelphia, PA
State Income Tax5.39%3.07%
State Sales Tax4.00%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.72%1.36%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Atlanta, GA
$75,000
Median household income
Philadelphia, PA
$62,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to maintain your Atlanta lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Atlanta (107) vs Philadelphia (108). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Atlanta3.7%
Philadelphia4.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Atlanta3.4%
Philadelphia1.8%
Top Industries
AtlantaLogistics, Film, Tech
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Atlanta32 min
Philadelphia34 min
Walk Score
Atlanta48
Philadelphia79
Air Quality (AQI)
Atlanta43
Philadelphia46
Avg Temperature
Atlanta62°F
Philadelphia56°F
Population
Atlanta499,127
Philadelphia1,603,797

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Planning Your Move?

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

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Atlanta or Philadelphia cheaper to live in?+
Atlanta is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 3.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Atlanta vs Philadelphia?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,650/month in Atlanta and $1,500/month in Philadelphia — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Atlanta or Philadelphia?+
Georgia has a state income tax of 5.39% and sales tax of 4.00%. Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Philadelphia?+
Median household income in Atlanta is $75,000 compared to $62,000 in Philadelphia. 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 Philadelphia?+
The median home price in Atlanta is $380,000 versus $280,000 in Philadelphia — a difference of $100,000. Property tax rates also differ: Georgia averages 0.72% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.