Cost of living · head to head
Atlanta, GA is 11% cheaper than New York, NY.
Based on overall price levels from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis. 100 equals the national average.
New York, NYoverall index
112.6
Atlanta, GAoverall index
100.1
Try your own salary
in New York, NY
To live the same in Atlanta, GA, you’d need about $88,899.
That’s about $11,101 less — Atlanta, GA is cheaper.
Where the difference lies
The headline gap is 11%, but housing is where it really shows. Housing in Atlanta, GA runs 25% lower than in New York, NY (111 vs 148.6), while everyday goods and services sit closer together. For most people the rent or mortgage line moves the most when relocating between these two metros, so weigh that gap more heavily than the overall figure.
Salary you’d need in Atlanta, GA
| $50,000 in New York, NY | $44,449 |
| $75,000 in New York, NY | $66,674 |
| $100,000 in New York, NY | $88,899 |
| $150,000 in New York, NY | $133,348 |
| $200,000 in New York, NY | $177,798 |
Each row shows the salary in Atlanta, GA that buys the same standard of living as the amount earned in New York, NY.
New York, NY · housing
148.6
Atlanta, GA · housing
111
Common questions
Is Atlanta, GA cheaper than New York, NY?
Yes — Atlanta, GA has an overall cost-of-living index of 100.1 versus 112.6 for New York, NY, making it about 11% cheaper.
How much do you need to earn in Atlanta, GA to match $100,000 in New York, NY?
About $88,899. To keep the same standard of living, salaries scale with local prices, so a $100,000 lifestyle in New York, NY costs roughly $88,899 in Atlanta, GA.
Is housing cheaper in Atlanta, GA than in New York, NY?
Housing in Atlanta, GA scores 111 versus 148.6 in New York, NY — about 25% cheaper. Housing is usually the biggest driver of the overall gap.
What is the cost of living difference between New York, NY and Atlanta, GA?
Overall, Atlanta, GA is about 11% cheaper than New York, NY (index 100.1 vs 112.6), with housing 25% lower. Data is from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2024.