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Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC 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.

9.2% Atlanta, GA is more expensive overall
9.6% 9.6% more expensive housing
5.2% 5.2% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 9.6% more
Raleigh
104
Atlanta
114
🛒 Groceries 5.2% more
Raleigh
97
Atlanta
102
🚗 Transportation 13.5% more
Raleigh
96
Atlanta
109
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Raleigh
100
Atlanta
102
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Raleigh
98
Atlanta
99

Detailed Breakdown

Category Raleigh, NC Atlanta, GA Difference
Overall Cost Index981079.2% more
Housing1041149.6% more
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,65022.2% more
Median Home Price$385,000$380,000~Same
Groceries971025.2% more
Transportation9610913.5% more
Healthcare100102~Same
Utilities9899~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Raleigh, NC Atlanta, GA
State Income Tax4.50%5.39%
State Sales Tax4.75%4.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.70%0.72%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Raleigh, NC
$78,000
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 Raleigh lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Raleigh (98) vs Atlanta (107). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Raleigh3.1%
Atlanta3.7%
Job Growth (YoY)
Raleigh3.9%
Atlanta3.4%
Top Industries
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education
AtlantaLogistics, Film, Tech

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Raleigh24 min
Atlanta32 min
Walk Score
Raleigh30
Atlanta48
Air Quality (AQI)
Raleigh35
Atlanta43
Avg Temperature
Raleigh60°F
Atlanta62°F
Population
Raleigh469,698
Atlanta499,127

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Planning Your Move?

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Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raleigh or Atlanta cheaper to live in?+
Raleigh is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 9.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs Atlanta?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Raleigh and $1,650/month in Atlanta — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Raleigh or Atlanta?+
North Carolina has a state income tax of 4.50% and sales tax of 4.75%. 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 Raleigh to Atlanta?+
Median household income in Raleigh is $78,000 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 Raleigh vs Atlanta?+
The median home price in Raleigh is $385,000 versus $380,000 in Atlanta — a difference of $5,000. Property tax rates also differ: North Carolina averages 0.70% while Georgia averages 0.72%.