Is Atlanta, GA cheaper or more expensive than Boston, MA?

Atlanta, GA (RPP 98.8) is cheaper than Boston, MA (RPP 112) by about 11.8%.

What salary do I need in Atlanta, GA if I earn $100,000 in Boston, MA?

You would need approximately $88,214 in Atlanta, GA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Boston, MA. Formula: $100,000 x (98.8 / 112).

Which metro had stronger net migration, Boston, MA or Atlanta, GA?

For 2021-2022, Boston, MA had a net loss of 39,965 people, while Atlanta, GA had a net gain of 17,865 people. IRS small-flow suppression means these are lower-bound research signals, not complete population-change totals.

Route comparison

Boston, MA vs Atlanta, GA: Cost of Living

Compare the cost of living between Boston, MA and Atlanta, GA. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.

Source-verified · June 2026BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2022 (Table 4); HUD FY2024 Fair Market Rents (2-BR) Official source ↗

Boston, MA

Overall RPP (US=100): 112
Housing RPP: 150.3
Goods RPP: 110.1
2-BR median rent: $2,827/mo

Massachusetts flat income tax 5.0%. No city income tax.

Atlanta, GA

Overall RPP (US=100): 98.8
Housing RPP: 107.4
Goods RPP: 99.3
2-BR median rent: $1,844/mo

Georgia income tax 5.49% flat. No city income tax.

Equivalent salary

Atlanta, GA is cheaper than Boston, MA by about 11.8% (RPP 112 to 98.8).

$60,000 in Boston, MA

-> $52,929

in Atlanta, GA

$100,000 in Boston, MA

-> $88,214

in Atlanta, GA

$150,000 in Boston, MA

-> $132,321

in Atlanta, GA

This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.

Migration signal: Boston, MA vs Atlanta, GA

IRS tax-return migration · 2021-2022

Boston, MA

Net people: −39,965
Net rank: #60 of 65
Top origin share: 4%
Top destination share: 5%

Largest source: Worcester County, MA. Largest destination: Worcester County, MA.

Atlanta, GA

Net people: +17,865
Net rank: #10 of 65
Top origin share: 1%
Top destination share: 2%

Largest source: Hall County, GA. Largest destination: Hall County, GA.

Rent delta: Atlanta, GA is $983/mo lower for HUD FY2024 2-BR FMR than Boston, MA. Housing RPP moves from 150.3 to 107.4.

Migration figures are derived from IRS SOI county-to-county migration data for 2021-2022, mapped to metros via Census CBSA delineation. Small county-to-county flows are IRS-suppressed, so per-metro totals are lower bounds. Source: IRS SOI migration data.

Frequently asked questions

Is Atlanta, GA cheaper or more expensive than Boston, MA?: Atlanta, GA (RPP 98.8) is cheaper than Boston, MA (RPP 112) by about 11.8%.
What salary do I need in Atlanta, GA if I earn $100,000 in Boston, MA?: You would need approximately $88,214 in Atlanta, GA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Boston, MA. Formula: $100,000 x (98.8 / 112).
Which metro had stronger net migration, Boston, MA or Atlanta, GA?: For 2021-2022, Boston, MA had a net loss of 39,965 people, while Atlanta, GA had a net gain of 17,865 people. IRS small-flow suppression means these are lower-bound research signals, not complete population-change totals.

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