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San Francisco vs Atlanta

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Atlanta is 54% cheaper than San Francisco overall.San Francisco has a cost of living index of 225 vs Atlanta at 103 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing San Francisco costs 71% more.

Pierre
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San Francisco
CA
225
COLI index
VS
Atlanta
GA
103
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategorySan FranciscoAtlantaDifference
Overall COLI225103-54%
Housing435128-71%
Groceries119104-13%
Transport118109-8%
Healthcare108103-5%
Utilities125108-14%

Median 1BR Rent

San Francisco
$3,200/mo
Atlanta
$1,850/mo

Median Home Price

San Francisco
$1,290,000
Atlanta
$390,000

Median Household Income

San Francisco
$136,689
Atlanta
$64,179

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Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta is cheaper to live in overall. San Francisco has a cost of living index of 225 while Atlanta has an index of 103, where 100 represents the US national average. Atlanta is 54% cheaper than San Francisco overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in San Francisco is $3,200 per month compared to $1,850 in Atlanta. The median home price in San Francisco is $1,290,000 versus $390,000 in Atlanta. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

San Francisco has a cost of living index of 225 and Atlanta has an index of 103, both measured against a US national average of 100. An index above 100 means more expensive than the national average — below 100 means cheaper.

To maintain the same purchasing power as a salary in San Francisco, multiply by 0.46. For example a $75,000 salary in San Francisco is equivalent to approximately $34,333 in Atlanta.

San Francisco has a median household income of $136,689 per year versus $64,179 in Atlanta. Higher incomes must be weighed against cost of living. Use the Dayblip salary tools to see specific job salaries in both cities.

Whether moving from San Francisco to Atlanta is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Atlanta is 54% cheaper overall — with the biggest difference in housing. Use the Dayblip cost of living calculator to enter your specific salary and see the exact dollar impact.

Last updated: June 2026

Methodology: Cost of living indices from C2ER Cost of Living Index 2024-2025. Rent data from Zillow December 2024. Home price data from Zillow Home Value Index December 2024. Household income from US Census Bureau ACS 2023. National average COLI = 100. Data updated annually.