Chicago, IL vs Atlanta, GA: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Chicago, IL and Atlanta, GA. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Chicago, IL
IL
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 105.7
- Housing RPP
- 110.9
- Goods RPP
- 106.7
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,714/mo
Illinois flat income tax 4.95%. Chicago city tax adds ~2.25% effective burden.
Atlanta, GA
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 Chicago, IL by about 6.5% (RPP 105.7 to 98.8).
$60,000 in Chicago, IL
-> $56,083
in Atlanta, GA
$100,000 in Chicago, IL
-> $93,472
in Atlanta, GA
$150,000 in Chicago, IL
-> $140,208
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.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Atlanta, GA cheaper or more expensive than Chicago, IL?
- Atlanta, GA (RPP 98.8) is cheaper than Chicago, IL (RPP 105.7) by about 6.5%.
- What salary do I need in Atlanta, GA if I earn $100,000 in Chicago, IL?
- You would need approximately $93,472 in Atlanta, GA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Chicago, IL. Formula: $100,000 x (98.8 / 105.7).