Atlanta vs Raleigh: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Median home value runs $395,600 in Atlanta, 14% higher than the $347,000 median in Raleigh.
Median household income is $77,655 in Atlanta versus $78,631 in Raleigh.
Typical rent runs $1,512 in Atlanta and $1,371 in Raleigh.
FEMA's National Risk Index puts both cities at "Relatively High" for overall natural-hazard risk.
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 494,838 | 465,517 |
| Median home value | $395,600 | $347,000 |
| Median household income | $77,655 | $78,631 |
| Median gross rent | $1,512 | $1,371 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Relatively High | Relatively High |
On housing costs, Raleigh, NC looks more affordable than Atlanta, GA — lower median home value and rent. This reflects housing only, not total cost of living.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.