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Washington DC vs Atlanta

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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Atlanta is 32% cheaper than Washington DC overall.Washington DC has a cost of living index of 152 vs Atlanta at 103 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing Washington DC costs 49% more.

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Washington DC
DC
152
COLI index
VS
Atlanta
GA
103
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryWashington DCAtlantaDifference
Overall COLI152103-32%
Housing252128-49%
Groceries110104-5%
Transport112109-3%
Healthcare105103-2%
Utilities115108-6%

Median 1BR Rent

Washington DC
$2,400/mo
Atlanta
$1,850/mo

Median Home Price

Washington DC
$640,000
Atlanta
$390,000

Median Household Income

Washington DC
$93,511
Atlanta
$64,179

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Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta is cheaper to live in overall. Washington DC has a cost of living index of 152 while Atlanta has an index of 103, where 100 represents the US national average. Atlanta is 32% cheaper than Washington DC overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Washington DC is $2,400 per month compared to $1,850 in Atlanta. The median home price in Washington DC is $640,000 versus $390,000 in Atlanta. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Washington DC has a cost of living index of 152 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 Washington DC, multiply by 0.68. For example a $75,000 salary in Washington DC is equivalent to approximately $50,822 in Atlanta.

Washington DC has a median household income of $93,511 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 Washington DC to Atlanta is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. Atlanta is 32% 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.