Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Atlanta, GA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Atlanta

Georgia
122

Boston is 44% more expensive than Atlanta.

$2,093/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,617/mo ↓ 23%
$94,755/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$81,938/yr ↓ 14%
$710,400 ↑ 69%
Home Value
$420,600 ↓ 41%
$2,176/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,695/mo ↓ 22%
663,972
Population
499,287

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Atlanta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $476/month cheaper in Atlanta, saving renters about $5,712/year.

Median household income is $12,817/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $420,600 in Atlanta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Atlanta — common questions

Is Boston or Atlanta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Atlanta is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Atlanta?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Atlanta it's $1,617/month — a difference of $476/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Atlanta?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $81,938 in Atlanta. Median household income is $12,817/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Georgia?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Atlanta?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,617/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Boston details → View Atlanta details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boston and Atlanta

Boston vs. Washington Boston vs. Las Vegas Boston vs. El Paso Boston vs. Portland Boston vs. Nashville Boston vs. Detroit Atlanta vs. Mesa Atlanta vs. Omaha Atlanta vs. Kansas City Atlanta vs. Colorado Springs Atlanta vs. Sacramento Atlanta vs. Raleigh