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Cost of Living: Denver, CO 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.

4.5% Atlanta, GA is cheaper overall
13.6% 13.6% cheaper housing
1.0% 1.0% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 13.6% cheaper
Denver
132
Atlanta
114
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Denver
101
Atlanta
102
🚗 Transportation 3.8% more
Denver
105
Atlanta
109
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Denver
104
Atlanta
102
⚡ Utilities 3.1% more
Denver
96
Atlanta
99

Detailed Breakdown

Category Denver, CO Atlanta, GA Difference
Overall Cost Index1121074.5% less
Housing13211413.6% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,620$1,650~Same
Median Home Price$540,000$380,00029.6% less
Groceries101102~Same
Transportation1051093.8% more
Healthcare104102~Same
Utilities96993.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Denver, CO Atlanta, GA
State Income Tax4.40%5.39%
State Sales Tax2.90%4.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%0.72%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Denver, CO
$82,000
Median household income
Atlanta, GA
$75,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Atlanta 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 Atlanta to maintain your Denver lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Denver (112) vs Atlanta (107). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Denver3.5%
Atlanta3.7%
Job Growth (YoY)
Denver3.6%
Atlanta3.4%
Top Industries
DenverTech, Aerospace, Energy
AtlantaLogistics, Film, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Denver27 min
Atlanta32 min
Walk Score
Denver61
Atlanta48
Air Quality (AQI)
Denver45
Atlanta43
Avg Temperature
Denver51°F
Atlanta62°F
Population
Denver713,252
Atlanta499,127

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Planning Your Move?

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

Compare Other Cities

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Denver 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 13.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Denver vs Atlanta?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,620/month in Denver and $1,650/month in Atlanta — a difference of about $30 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Denver or Atlanta?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. 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 Denver to Atlanta?+
Median household income in Denver is $82,000 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 Denver vs Atlanta?+
The median home price in Denver is $540,000 versus $380,000 in Atlanta — a difference of $160,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while Georgia averages 0.72%.