Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Atlanta is 9% more affordable than Denver. A $75,000 salary in Denver is equivalent to $68,008 in Atlanta.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Georgia salaries · Colorado salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Atlanta has a housing index of 113 while Denver sits at 152 (national average = 100). The median home in Atlanta costs $350,000 compared to $520,000 in Denver, a difference of $170,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Atlanta versus $1,900 in Denver.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Atlanta scores 104 while Denver scores 102. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Atlanta (101) are lower than Denver (104). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Atlanta is $59,948 compared to $72,661 in Denver. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Atlanta.
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