Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Raleigh, NC 2026

$1,617/mo ↑ 10%

Median Rent

$1,468/mo ↓ 9%

$81,938/yr ≈ Same

Median Income

$82,424/yr ≈ Same

$420,600 ↑ 11%

Home Value

$377,800 ↓ 10%

$1,695/mo ↑ 14%

Owner Costs

$1,487/mo ↓ 12%

499,287

Population

470,763

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Raleigh, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $149/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $1,788/year.

Median household income is $486/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $377,800 in Raleigh.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Raleigh — common questions

Is Atlanta or Raleigh cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 122 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Raleigh?

Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Raleigh it's $1,468/month — a difference of $149/month.

Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Raleigh?

Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $82,424 in Raleigh. Median household income is $486/year higher in Raleigh.

How do taxes compare between Georgia and North Carolina?

Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.

Should I move to Atlanta or Raleigh?

It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with rent of $1,468/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Raleigh, NC (2026)

Atlanta

Raleigh

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions