Atlanta vs Salt Lake City: cost of living compared
Salt Lake City is about the same as Atlanta overall. State income tax tops out around 4.65% in UT vs 5.49% in GA.
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
Comparing Atlanta and Salt Lake City reveals an overall cost of living that is quite similar, both sitting above the national average. However, this similarity masks significant differences in key spending categories. Housing costs are notably higher in Salt Lake City, while transportation expenses are considerably lower there. Other categories like food, healthcare, and utilities show only minor variations between the two metros, suggesting that housing and getting around are the primary drivers of budget distinctions.
Housing
For home buyers, Salt Lake City presents a substantially higher median home price compared to Atlanta, making ownership a more significant investment. However, for those looking to rent a typical one-bedroom apartment, the monthly cost is roughly comparable in both cities. Atlanta's housing stock often includes a mix of older, established homes and newer developments, while Salt Lake City has seen rapid growth impacting its housing market, particularly for single-family residences.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses vary in important ways. Salt Lake City residents benefit from a lower state income tax rate compared to Atlanta. Transportation costs are noticeably cheaper in Salt Lake City, and average commute times are shorter, reflecting its more compact urban structure. Food prices are essentially the same, and there are only slight differences in healthcare and utility costs, making these categories less impactful on a household budget when moving between the two.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, a move between these cities means a shift in environment. Atlanta offers a humid subtropical climate with warm summers and mild winters, while Salt Lake City experiences a semi-arid climate with distinct four seasons, including snowy winters and dry, hot summers. Atlanta is a sprawling southern metropolis with extensive road networks, whereas Salt Lake City, nestled against mountains, has a more concentrated urban core and accessible outdoor recreation.
Bottom line
A household budget will feel different depending on your priorities. If homeownership is a primary goal, Atlanta offers a more accessible entry point with its lower median home prices. Conversely, if daily commuting and transportation expenses are a major concern, Salt Lake City provides a more economical option. The overall cost of living balances out due to these opposing forces, making the choice dependent on individual spending patterns and lifestyle preferences.
| Measure | Atlanta, GA | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 108 | 108 |
| Housing index | 105 | 127 |
| Transportation index | 116 | 89 |
| Food index | 98 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 102 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 95 |
| Misc index | 98 | 95 |
| Median home price | $378,000 | $498,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,550/mo | $1,550/mo |
| Average commute | 33 min | 24 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Salt Lake City home with the True Cost Calculator.