Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Richmond, VA (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Richmond

Virginia
98

Atlanta is 24% more expensive than Richmond.

$1,617/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↓ 19%
$81,938/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$62,671/yr ↓ 24%
$420,600 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$328,100 ↓ 22%
$1,695/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,374/mo ↓ 19%
499,287
Population
227,595

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Richmond, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 98 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $303/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $3,636/year.

Median household income is $19,267/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $328,100 in Richmond.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Atlanta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Richmond — common questions

Is Atlanta or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Richmond?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Richmond it's $1,314/month — a difference of $303/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Richmond?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $62,671 in Richmond. Median household income is $19,267/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Virginia?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 98 with rent of $1,314/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Atlanta details → View Richmond details →

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