Atlanta vs. Denver: Which City Offers the Best Lifestyle Value in 2025?
Is Atlanta’s Southern charm a better deal than Denver’s Rocky Mountain high?
As Americans reevaluate where to live, work, and raise families, cities like Atlanta and Denver are seeing an influx of renters and buyers lured by economic opportunity, lifestyle perks, and—you guessed it—cost of living. But which of these two booming cities offers more bang for your buck in 2025?
With hybrid work on the rise and lifestyle migration hitting all-time highs, the question of where to live isn’t just about jobs anymore—it’s about value, culture, and quality of life.
Everything from local tax rates to median rent can make or break a relocation decision, especially for those juggling remote work, school zones, or startup dreams.
In this in-depth cost of living comparison for 2025, we break down Atlanta vs. Denver across housing, transportation, lifestyle, taxes, and more—so you can decide which metro might best fit your next move.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why These Cities Are Trending
- Housing Market Comparison
- Groceries and Dining Out
- Utilities and Household Expenses
- Transportation Costs
- Healthcare Access and Affordability
- Tax Landscape and Local Fees
- Lifestyle Costs (Entertainment, Fitness, Childcare)
- Total Monthly Cost Breakdown: Single vs. Family of Four
- Zip-Code Cost Breakouts
- Conclusion & What’s Next
1. Introduction
If you’re thinking about relocating in 2025, chances are Atlanta or Denver has popped up on your radar. From Denver’s outdoor lifestyle and booming tech startups to Atlanta’s film industry, vibrant culture, and affordability, both cities offer compelling reasons to pack up and relocate. But what does it really cost to live in these top-tier metros?
2. Why These Cities Are Trending
Atlanta, GA:
- Fast-Growing Tech Hub: With Microsoft, Apple, and Google expanding here, Atlanta is earning its title as the “Silicon Peach.”
- Remote Worker Magnet: Affordable housing compared to other large cities and a laid-back suburban lifestyle call to digital nomads.
- Cultural Capital of the South: Music, food, and historic roots make Atlanta culturally rich and lively.
Denver, CO:
- Outdoor Lifestyle: Proximity to skiing, hiking, and nature drives popularity with millennials and families.
- Startup City: Denver is rapidly becoming a startup hotspot with strong VC investment and innovation hubs.
- Work-Life Balance: A hybrid-friendly job market plus a strong wellness culture attracts young professionals.
3. Housing Market Comparison
| Category | Atlanta, GA | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $405,000 | $582,000 |
| Average Rent (1br) | $1,460/month | $1,830/month |
| Rent in Suburbs | $1,200–$1,350/month | $1,550–$1,700/month |
| Home Price Growth YoY | +4.2% | +3.5% |
Atlanta remains more affordable for both buyers and renters, offering a variety of options in a growing market. Denver’s high demand and limited inventory keep it among the pricier metros.
4. Groceries and Dining Out
| Item | Atlanta Avg. | Denver Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly Groceries (1 Person) | $75 | $85 |
| Dinner for Two (Mid-Range) | $65 | $80 |
| Coffee | $4.10 | $4.75 |
| Beer (Local Pint) | $6 | $7.50 |
5. Utilities and Household Expenses
| Utility Type | Atlanta Avg. | Denver Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity + Gas | $140/month | $160/month |
| Water | $40/month | $48/month |
| Internet (Fiber) | $60/month | $65/month |
Overall, utilities are more cost-effective in Atlanta, especially due to less heating demand during winter months.
6. Transportation Costs
Atlanta:
- Heavily car-dependent
- MARTA pass: $95/month
- Gas: $3.35/gallon
Denver:
- Better for biking and public transit integration
- Regional Transit (RTD) Pass: $114/month
- Gas: $3.45/gallon
| Transportation Type | Atlanta Cost | Denver Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Transit Pass | $95 | $114 |
| Monthly Car Expenses* | $650 | $700 |
*Includes gas, insurance, maintenance for average mid-size car
7. Healthcare Access and Affordability
| Healthcare Metric | Atlanta | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Visit | $135 | $145 |
| Dental Cleaning | $105 | $125 |
| Insurance Premium (Individual) | $450/month | $510/month |
Access to top-tier hospitals is great in both cities, but Atlanta consistently ranks better for lower average out-of-pocket healthcare spending.
8. Tax Landscape and Local Fees
| Tax Type | Atlanta (GA) | Denver (CO) |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 5.75% | 4.4% |
| Sales Tax (avg) | 8.9% | 8.81% |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.87% | 0.49% |
While Denver wins in property taxes, Georgia’s higher state income tax offsets some of that advantage—making it a close call depending on your income structure.
9. Lifestyle Costs (Entertainment, Fitness, Childcare)
| Category | Atlanta | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Gym Membership | $38/month | $49/month |
| Movie Ticket | $13 | $15 |
| Childcare (Full Day) | $950/month | $1,150/month |
| Fitness Studio Class | $20 drop-in | $28 drop-in |
For young families and active professionals, Atlanta offers better childcare value and generally more affordable lifestyle spending.
10. Total Monthly Cost Breakdown
| Cost Category | Atlanta: Single | Atlanta: Family of 4 | Denver: Single | Denver: Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,460 | $2,300 | $1,830 | $2,900 |
| Food | $350 | $950 | $400 | $1,100 |
| Utilities | $180 | $260 | $210 | $280 |
| Transportation | $650 | $900 | $700 | $950 |
| Healthcare | $450 | $1,200 | $510 | $1,400 |
| Taxes/Fee Est. | $380 | $950 | $410 | $1,000 |
| Lifestyle | $200 | $500 | $250 | $600 |
| Total | $3,670 | $7,060 | $4,350 | $8,230 |
Atlanta saves you ~$700/month as a single adult and over $1,000/month as a family of four compared to Denver.
11. Zip Code Cost Breakouts
Want more precise data for your ideal neighborhood? Use CompaniesByZipcode.com to drill down by zip code in:
Atlanta Hot Zips: 30307 (Inman Park), 30318 (Upper Westside), 30030 (Decatur)
Denver Hot Zips: 80202 (LoDo), 80211 (Highland), 80220 (Hilltop)
Get granular insights on school ratings, grocery costs, utilities, and real estate trends specific to your dream neighborhood.
12. Conclusion: Which City Wins in 2025?
If you’re a cost-conscious family or remote worker chasing affordability with big-city appeal, Atlanta is your winner in 2025. Not only does it offer lower housing and lifestyle costs, but it’s also a booming economic center with expanding neighborhoods and strong cultural identity.
But if you’re seeking access to the outdoors, a tighter-knit urban vibe, and you’re willing to spend more on housing for that mountain lifestyle, Denver could be your perfect match.
Ready for More?
Explore the neighborhoods, cost breakdowns, and local economies of thousands of U.S. zip codes at CompaniesByZipcode.com to dive deeper into your relocation decision.
Next Week: Coastal Living Showdown: San Diego vs. Miami—Where Sunshine Meets Savings
