They say the cost of living is cheaper in ATL but...

[spacelord75]

If you look at comparable items, yes, Atlanta is cheaper than most major metropolitan cities. Housing, gas, groceries, everything. Of cities I've been to, it's cheaper here than NYC, Chicago, San Fran, SD, LA, Portland. Even buying Coke at the store! Example - at Publix, you can usually get 3 twelve pakcs for $9, but at the Safeway in Half Moon Bay, CA, I had to pay $12 for the same deal! And gas is WAY cheaper here. I was just in Portland, OR, and it was $3.46/gallon! Don't even get me started on NYC - you cannot eat lunch there for under $10.

[gt6974a]

Actually, there was an article in the AJC or USA Today on how Atlanta is actually one of the most expensive cities. Yes our real estate costs is lower but the article cited transportation costs as the reason why.

I don't have the link or remember any of the figures

[BobKovacs]

Originally Posted by gt6974a

Actually, there was an article in the AJC or USA Today on how Atlanta is actually one of the most expensive cities. Yes our real estate costs is lower but the article cited transportation costs as the reason why.

I don't have the link or remember any of the figures

That article was specific to people earning $20-50k/year. It focused on the fact that since Atlanta is such a car-oriented town, a large portion of the salaries of people in that income range goes to transportation costs. Once you get into higher income brackets, the cost of commuting becomes far less significant to the overall household budget.

I can tell you that coming from NJ, we're buying a house for 1/3 of what it would cost in NJ, with 1/4 of the property taxes. Those two items are definitely the most significant differences between the areas, but that's more than enough to make Atlanta what I'd call "far less expensive" than NJ. lets fact it- a pair of Levis is going to cost the same regardless of where you are, as is a new Chevrolet. Even regional gas and food price differences are almost inconsequential in the grand scheme of things once you get into say $50k+ salary ranges.

Bob

[spacelord75]

Originally Posted by gt6974a

Actually, there was an article in the AJC or USA Today on how Atlanta is actually one of the most expensive cities. Yes our real estate costs is lower but the article cited transportation costs as the reason why.

I don't have the link or remember any of the figures

My guess is that conclusion was based on commute, as most people have to drive at least 30 minutes each way to go to work, which, given current fuel costs, would drive up cost of living considerably. It also does not help that there might as well be no public transportation here.

[Tab1975]

[quote=BobKovacs;911430]That article was specific to people earning $20-50k/year. It focused on the fact that since Atlanta is such a car-oriented town, a large portion of the salaries of people in that income range goes to transportation costs. Once you get into higher income brackets, the cost of commuting becomes far less significant to the overall household budget.


Ok, I saw the article. I might be better off in NYC. I will probably be making under the 50K range like I do here in NYC now. If that is the case, I might as well stay in NYC and struggle. I do not need a car here. I cant stand the car payments and insurance. That is too much money for me.

[BobKovacs]

Originally Posted by Tab1975

Ok, I saw the article. I might be better off in NYC. I will probably be making under the 50K range like I do here in NYC now. If that is the case, I might as well stay in NYC and struggle. I do not need a car here. I cant stand the car payments and insurance. That is too much money for me.

Well, I wouldn't make the decision based just on that article. Depending on what industry you're in and where you want to live, there are still viable public transportation options in Atlanta (MARTA), but they aren't as plentiful as in the NYC area, and they don't reach out into the suburbs like the public transit into NJ and Long Island. You may still be far better off in Atlanta than you are in NYC.

Bob

[ATLienGirl]

Rightfully so, but, if you are going to come to Atlanta, even if you live near sorry MARTA (the public transit system) you are going to be far better off with a car because everything is so spread out; there are things and places that you will need to go that are not near public transportation. Now, insurance isn't too big of a deal; it's cheaper in some counties but definitely not in Fulton. I was a Fulton County resident for 28 years, I know.

That shouldn't discourage you from coming here, though, I know people moving here making money in your salary range that have a car and are doing fine. Just make sure you live near where you will work so you are not spending half your salary on gas and car maintenance. I'm a STRONG advocate on living near where you work, I REFUSE to sit in traffic going to and from work. Never have, never will.

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by enjft

I only see the housing cheaper. What are the other cost benefits?

Prices for gasolene here are relatively decent:

USA National Gas Temperature Map