Cost of living · head to head
Atlanta, GA is 2% cheaper than Philadelphia, PA.
Based on overall price levels from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis. 100 equals the national average.
Philadelphia, PAoverall index
102.6
Atlanta, GAoverall index
100.1
Try your own salary
in Philadelphia, PA
To live the same in Atlanta, GA, you’d need about $97,563.
That’s about $2,437 less — Atlanta, GA is cheaper.
Where the difference lies
The headline gap is 2%, but housing is where it really shows. Housing in Atlanta, GA runs 2% lower than in Philadelphia, PA (111 vs 113.1), 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 Philadelphia, PA | $48,782 |
| $75,000 in Philadelphia, PA | $73,173 |
| $100,000 in Philadelphia, PA | $97,563 |
| $150,000 in Philadelphia, PA | $146,345 |
| $200,000 in Philadelphia, PA | $195,127 |
Each row shows the salary in Atlanta, GA that buys the same standard of living as the amount earned in Philadelphia, PA.
Philadelphia, PA · housing
113.1
Atlanta, GA · housing
111
Common questions
Is Atlanta, GA cheaper than Philadelphia, PA?
Yes — Atlanta, GA has an overall cost-of-living index of 100.1 versus 102.6 for Philadelphia, PA, making it about 2% cheaper.
How much do you need to earn in Atlanta, GA to match $100,000 in Philadelphia, PA?
About $97,563. To keep the same standard of living, salaries scale with local prices, so a $100,000 lifestyle in Philadelphia, PA costs roughly $97,563 in Atlanta, GA.
Is housing cheaper in Atlanta, GA than in Philadelphia, PA?
Housing in Atlanta, GA scores 111 versus 113.1 in Philadelphia, PA — about 2% cheaper. Housing is usually the biggest driver of the overall gap.
What is the cost of living difference between Philadelphia, PA and Atlanta, GA?
Overall, Atlanta, GA is about 2% cheaper than Philadelphia, PA (index 100.1 vs 102.6), with housing 2% lower. Data is from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2024.