🇺🇸 Atlanta vs 🇺🇸 Boston

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇺🇸

Atlanta

United States

$2,246–$3,556/mo

$2,246 – $3,556 / month (local)

🇺🇸

Boston

United States

$2,923–$4,628/mo

$2,923 – $4,628 / month (local)

Boston is 30% more expensive

Atlanta wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryAtlanta (USD)Boston (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$1,685–$2,621$2,192–$3,410🟢 Atlanta
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$889–$1,404$1,157–$1,827🟢 Atlanta
Utilities$70–$136$91–$177🟢 Atlanta
Groceries$356–$533$463–$694🟢 Atlanta
Eating out (mid-range meal)$47–$84$61–$110🟢 Atlanta
Public transport (monthly)$89–$108$116–$140🟢 Atlanta
Internet & Mobile$28–$47$37–$61🟢 Atlanta
Gym membership$33–$61$43–$79🟢 Atlanta
Cinema ticket$13–$17$17–$22🟢 Atlanta
Monthly total (single)$2,246–$3,556$2,923–$4,628🟢 Atlanta

See how your salary compares in both cities

Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).

Quality of life comparison

Housing4.5 / 10 · 3.9 / 10
Atlanta▲ better
Boston
Safety8.2 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Atlanta
Boston▲ better
Healthcare8.2 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Atlanta
Boston▲ better
Education7.8 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Atlanta
Boston▲ better
Environment8.6 / 10 · 9.4 / 10
Atlanta
Boston▲ better
Economy6.9 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Atlanta
Boston▲ better
Culture7.5 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Atlanta
Boston▲ better
Internet7.9 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Atlanta
Boston▲ better

Who should choose which city?

Choose Atlanta if…

  • ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Boston
  • ✓Airport hub
  • ✓Film industry
  • ✓Lower cost than coasts
  • ✓Logistics

Choose Boston if…

  • ✓You're happy to pay more for what Boston offers vs Atlanta
  • ✓Universities
  • ✓Healthcare
  • ✓History
  • ✓Students

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Full Atlanta guide

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Full Boston guide

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Explore Boston →