As you can see from the chart below, Atlanta continues to be below the National Cost of Living for most of it’s goods and services. Housing rates 13% below the national index and is one the strongest factors for continued population growth in Metro Atlanta. The AJC has a good visual chart for Regional Growth Forecast.
COST OF LIVING INDEX
How the nation’s largest cities compare to the national Cost of Living Index for specific goods and services
| ATLANTA | NEW YORK CITY | SAN FRANCISCO | SEATTLE | WASHINGTON DC |
CHICAGO | |
| Composite Index |
-4% | +112% | +84% | +13% | +45% | -3% |
| Grocery Items | -5% | +33% | +49% | +18% | +26% | -2% |
| Housing | -9% | +287% | +212% | +17% | +8% | -1% |
| Utilities | -13% | +48% | +3% | +14% | +2% | +6% |
| Transportation | -2% | +17% | +22% | _4% | +21% | -2% |
| Healthcare | +11% | +43% | +28% | +38% | +38% | -9% |
| Misc. Goods & Services |
+1% | +39% | +29% | +6% | +15% | -7% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
