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Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Atlanta, GA

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

0.0% Atlanta, GA is cheaper overall
8.6% 8.6% more expensive housing
1.9% 1.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 8.6% more
Chicago
105
Atlanta
114
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Chicago
104
Atlanta
102
🚗 Transportation 4.4% cheaper
Chicago
114
Atlanta
109
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Chicago
103
Atlanta
102
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Chicago
101
Atlanta
99

Detailed Breakdown

Category Chicago, IL Atlanta, GA Difference
Overall Cost Index107107~Same
Housing1051148.6% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,700$1,6502.9% less
Median Home Price$310,000$380,00022.6% more
Groceries104102~Same
Transportation1141094.4% less
Healthcare103102~Same
Utilities10199~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Chicago, IL Atlanta, GA
State Income Tax4.95%5.39%
State Sales Tax6.25%4.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.95%0.72%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Chicago, IL
$74,000
Median household income
Atlanta, GA
$75,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Atlanta outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Chicago4.8%
Atlanta3.7%
Job Growth (YoY)
Chicago2.1%
Atlanta3.4%
Top Industries
ChicagoFinance, Manufacturing, Healthcare
AtlantaLogistics, Film, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Chicago35 min
Atlanta32 min
Walk Score
Chicago78
Atlanta48
Air Quality (AQI)
Chicago44
Atlanta43
Avg Temperature
Chicago50°F
Atlanta62°F
Population
Chicago2,665,039
Atlanta499,127

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Planning Your Move?

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Compare Other Cities

Chicago vs Austin → Chicago vs Denver → Chicago vs Nashville → Atlanta vs Raleigh → Atlanta vs Portland → Atlanta vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago or Atlanta cheaper to live in?+
Atlanta is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 8.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Atlanta?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,700/month in Chicago and $1,650/month in Atlanta — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Chicago or Atlanta?+
Illinois has a state income tax of 4.95% and sales tax of 6.25%. Georgia has a state income tax of 5.39% and sales tax of 4.00%. 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 Chicago to Atlanta?+
Median household income in Chicago is $74,000 compared to $75,000 in Atlanta. 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 Chicago vs Atlanta?+
The median home price in Chicago is $310,000 versus $380,000 in Atlanta — a difference of $70,000. Property tax rates also differ: Illinois averages 1.95% while Georgia averages 0.72%.