Bigger Isn’t Always Better: The Battle of Atlanta Vs NYC

Newyork Vs Atlanta

Atlanta vs NYC– a debate that is getting more and more popular with each passing day. While both cities don?t have a lot in common, many people insist that Atlanta is the ?new? New York City. Quite notoriously, Atlanta has even earned a new nickname, ?the Big Peach? which shows how much people like to compare it to NYC, aka the Big Apple.

If you are considering settling down in either of these ?fruity? cities, scroll through the article to find out just how alike and how different Atlanta and NYC are from each other. We will be comparing the two cities in terms of population, cost of living, crime rate, and much more. So let?s dive right in!

Why Compare? Atlanta Vs NYC:

To begin with, New Yorkers have started to exhibit general unrest, like never before. The Big Apple, known for its fiercely loyal locals, lately has residents moving out in large numbers. According to stats from the US Census Bureau, more than 1.4 million New Yorkers migrated to other states in the last decade. 

On the other hand, according to the Atlanta Regional Commission, 2021 brought approximately 65,000 new residents to Atlanta. What exactly is going on? Is Atlanta a better place to live than New York? Keep reading for an in-depth comparison.

Atlanta vs NYC Cost of Living

When talking about the differences between Atlanta and NYC, the difference in the cost of living is one that can?t be ignored. The cost of living in Atlanta is 2% below the national average and a mind-blowing 43% below that of New York!

Let?s have a look at some of the main expenses responsible for eating up major chunks of your salary.

Housing

Although the rents in both cities don?t show too much of a difference, the value that you get for your money is considerably more in Atlanta. 

Over the years 2017-2021, the average rent in Atlanta was $1342. On the other hand, the average rent in NYC, over the same time period was $1579. However, you would be renting out a spacious apartment in Atlanta for this price compared to a tiny one in NY in a shady residential area. 

Another thing worth mentioning here is the kind of luxury amenities that rental units in Atlanta have to offer. You can enjoy assigned parking, a fully equipped kitchen unit, plus a built-in washer and dryer. Comparatively, the rental trend in NY is only going to make you deposit a two to four-month rent in advance, before you move in. 

If you are interested in buying real estate, Atlanta presents a profitable deal. The average value of a housing unit is $346,000 in Atlanta, while it is a staggering $660,700 in New York. 

Cost of Food

NY has the most diverse food to offer and it probably can?t taste any better elsewhere. However, if you really want to pamper your taste buds, you?d be running out of cash sooner than you think. 

For insight, a three-course meal for two would cost you a hundred dollars in NY, while only $65 in Atlanta. Additionally, you won?t just be saving money on fine dining, but even if you plan to do the cooking at home. Groceries will cost you $150 less in Atlanta, compared to the Big Apple.

Taxes in Atlanta vs NYC

Atlanta is a clear winner if you?re looking for a tax-friendly place to reside. While the sales tax is the same in both cities, the income tax that New Yorkers pay is almost double what residents in Atlanta pay. (10.1% and 5.8 % respectively)

Salaries

Salaries in New York are generally higher to account for the higher cost of living. The average salary in NYC is $6165, whereas it is $4856 in Atlanta. However, the higher salaries still do not make up for the high cost of living in the Big Apple. 

Atlanta vs New York Population

New York is attractive because of all the hustle and bustle associated with it. Whenever you think of a street in NYC, you are unconsciously connecting it to a crowd. This is another major difference that sets the two cities apart.

While both Atlanta and NYC own the ?big city? badges, New York has a population of 8.2 million, whereas Atlanta is home to 512,000 people. 

One reason for the NYC population surplus is the massive size of the city. Its spans over 300 miles, while Atlanta encompasses 135 miles. In spite of the differences in size, the population densities in both cities are nowhere close to each other. NY has a population density of 27,476, way higher than Atlanta?s 3780.

Atlanta vs New York Crime Rate

Life in a big city comes with a price tag. In the case of living in Atlanta and NYC, be prepared for the incidents of crime that are a part and parcel of every major city. 

However, in spite of New York being more populated and bigger than Atlanta, it is still relatively safer. The crime index of New York is 49.5, while that of Atlanta is 63.8. 

Is NYC or Atlanta More Dangerous?

Atlanta has a high incidence of property and violent crimes. On the other hand, incidents of property crime in NYC are even lower than the national average. 

Atlanta vs New York Weather

One of the most significant differences between Atlanta and New York is the weather. Atlanta has a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters, while New York has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cold winters. 

The temperature difference can be quite significant, with Atlanta averaging around 90