Atlanta vs Las Vegas: cost of living compared
Las Vegas is 6% cheaper than Atlanta overall. Las Vegas (NV) has no state income tax; GA tops out around 5.49%.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Overall, the cost of living is somewhat higher in Atlanta compared to Las Vegas. This difference is largely driven by transportation expenses, which are noticeably more costly in Atlanta. While housing costs are a significant factor in both cities, other daily expenses like food are quite similar between the two metros, and healthcare costs are slightly higher in Atlanta.
Housing
When considering housing, median home prices are somewhat higher in Las Vegas, though the cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment is slightly more expensive in Atlanta. Both metros offer a range of housing types, from urban apartments to suburban homes. Property taxes and insurance costs can vary, but the initial purchase price or monthly rent will be a primary budget consideration.
Taxes and everyday costs
A major difference in everyday expenses is the presence of state income tax in Atlanta, which is absent in Las Vegas. Transportation costs are considerably higher in Atlanta, reflecting a longer average commute time. While food prices are roughly similar, utilities are noticeably more expensive in Las Vegas, and healthcare costs are a bit higher in Atlanta.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Atlanta features a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons, while Las Vegas has a desert climate with hot, dry summers. Getting around in Atlanta often involves more traffic and longer commutes, typical of a sprawling East Coast city. Las Vegas, though also spread out, generally has shorter commute times. Both offer diverse entertainment, but with different regional flavors.
Bottom line
Moving between these metros involves a trade-off in spending. While Las Vegas offers a lower overall cost of living and no state income tax, its utility costs are higher, and median home prices are a bit more. Atlanta, despite higher transportation and overall costs, has slightly lower median home prices and similar food expenses. Your daily commute will also be a factor.
| Measure | Atlanta, GA | Las Vegas, NV |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 108 | 102 |
| Housing index | 105 | 107 |
| Transportation index | 116 | 94 |
| Food index | 98 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 102 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 118 |
| Misc index | 98 | 92 |
| Median home price | $378,000 | $398,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,550/mo | $1,450/mo |
| Average commute | 33 min | 26 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Las Vegas home with the True Cost Calculator.