Quick answer
Overall prices in the Chicago, IL metro were 103.6 vs 100.1 in Atlanta, GA in 2024 (US = 100), so Chicago is 3.5% more expensive than Atlanta; housing rents differ by 1% (112.0 vs 111.0). A $75,000 income in Chicago buys about what $72,439 buys in Atlanta, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | Chicago | Atlanta | Chicago vs Atlanta |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 103.6 | 100.1 | +3.5% |
| Goods | 107.3 | 100.4 | +6.8% |
| Housing (rents) | 112.0 | 111.0 | +0.9% |
| Utilities | 83.6 | 96.2 | -13.2% |
| Other services | 100.5 | 96.7 | +3.9% |
| All items, 2008 | 105.4 | 98.1 | +7.5% |
| $50,000 in Chicago equals in Atlanta | $48,293 | ||
| $100,000 in Chicago equals in Atlanta | $96,586 | ||
| $150,000 in Chicago equals in Atlanta | $144,879 |
Related
- Cost of living: Atlanta, GA vs Boston, MA (2024)
- Cost of living: Atlanta, GA vs Buffalo, NY (2024)
- Cost of living: Atlanta, GA vs Charlotte, NC (2024)
- Cost of living: Atlanta, GA vs Cincinnati, OH (2024)
- Cost of living: Atlanta, GA vs Cleveland, OH (2024)
- Cost of living: Atlanta, GA vs Columbus, OH (2024)
- Cost of living: Dallas, TX vs Atlanta, GA (2024)
- Cost of living: Atlanta, GA vs Denver, CO (2024)
Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.