Atlanta vs Chicago: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Atlanta's median home value is $395,600 — 30% higher than Chicago's $304,500.
Typical households bring in $77,655 a year in Atlanta, versus $71,673 in Chicago.
Atlanta's median rent sits at $1,512, against $1,314 in Chicago.
Atlanta carries FEMA's Relatively High hazard rating, compared with Very High for Chicago.
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 494,838 | 2,721,914 |
| Median home value | $395,600 | $304,500 |
| Median household income | $77,655 | $71,673 |
| Median gross rent | $1,512 | $1,314 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Relatively High | Very High |
Atlanta, GA runs higher than Chicago, IL on both median home value and rent — a clear housing-cost edge for Chicago, IL, though only on housing.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.