Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Atlanta, GA (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Atlanta

Georgia
122

Denver is 20% more expensive than Atlanta.

$1,770/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,617/mo ↓ 9%
$91,681/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$81,938/yr ↓ 11%
$586,700 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$420,600 ↓ 28%
$1,839/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,695/mo ↓ 8%
713,734
Population
499,287

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
5.49%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Atlanta, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $153/month cheaper in Atlanta, saving renters about $1,836/year.

Median household income is $9,743/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $420,600 in Atlanta.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Atlanta — common questions

Is Denver or Atlanta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Atlanta is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Atlanta?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Atlanta it's $1,617/month — a difference of $153/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Atlanta?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $81,938 in Atlanta. Median household income is $9,743/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Georgia?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Atlanta?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Atlanta details →

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