Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Columbus, GA (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Columbus

Georgia
69

Atlanta is 77% more expensive than Columbus.

$1,617/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,072/mo ↓ 34%
$81,938/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$56,622/yr ↓ 31%
$420,600 ↑ 131%
Home Value
$182,300 ↓ 57%
$1,695/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,064/mo ↓ 37%
499,287
Population
204,383

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Columbus, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $545/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $6,540/year.

Median household income is $25,316/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $182,300 in Columbus.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Georgia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Columbus — common questions

Is Atlanta or Columbus cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Columbus?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Columbus it's $1,072/month — a difference of $545/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Columbus?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $56,622 in Columbus. Median household income is $25,316/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Georgia?
Both cities are in Georgia and share the same state tax rates: 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Columbus?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while Columbus has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,072/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Atlanta details → View Columbus details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Atlanta and Columbus

Atlanta vs. Mesa Atlanta vs. Omaha Atlanta vs. Kansas City Atlanta vs. Colorado Springs Atlanta vs. Sacramento Atlanta vs. Raleigh Columbus vs. Worcester Columbus vs. Salt Lake City Columbus vs. Cape Coral Columbus vs. Little Rock Columbus vs. Yonkers Columbus vs. McKinney