When looking at Atlanta, Georgia and Raleigh, North Carolina, one observes two vibrant Southern cities with unique offerings. As bustling hubs of culture, education, and business in their respective states, Atlanta and Raleigh become popular residences and tourist attractions for diverse reasons. This comparison examines various facets of each city, providing a comprehensive overview that could help individuals decide on relocation or a visit.
Distance between
Atlanta, GA and
Raleigh, NC : 356.3 miles
Atlanta's population is larger by 6%. Its population has grown by 79,987 people (19.2%) since 2000. The population of Raleigh has grown by 193,031 people (69.9%) during that time.
Overall, Raleigh tends to have a lower crime rate compared to Atlanta. While both cities have areas with higher crime rates, Raleigh's are generally less intense than those in Atlanta. However, this doesn't imply that Atlanta is an outright unsafe city. Areas that have seen recent developments like Midtown and Buckhead are considered safer than some others. Equally, Raleigh has safer neighborhoods such as North and West Raleigh.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,961 registered sex offenders living in Atlanta and 2,151 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Atlanta is 241 to 1; the ratio in Raleigh is 213 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Atlanta is near to than in Raleigh.
Cost of Living
Generally, the cost of living in Raleigh is lower than in Atlanta. This is reflected in housing costs, groceries, and utilities, with Raleigh offering less expensive options. However, Atlanta provides a broader range of luxury and budget choices in housing and dining due to its larger size.
Income Tax
Georgia has a progressive income tax ranging from 1% to 5.75%, while North Carolina has a flat rate income tax of 5.25%. This can impact residents differently based on their income levels.
Property Tax
Property tax rates in Atlanta can range from 0.9% to 1.4%, depending on the specific area within the city, while Raleigh's average property tax rate is lower, at approximately 0.86%.
Sales Tax
Georgia's state sales tax is 4% and the city tax for Atlanta is 2.9%, culminating in a combined rate of 6.9%. North Carolina has a state sales tax of 4.75%, with Raleigh's additional 2.25%, making the overall combined rate 7%.
Income
Type
Atlanta
Raleigh
Estimated median household income
$74,107
$74,612
Estimated per capita income
$55,051
$44,001
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
104.3
95.1
If you make $50,000 in Raleigh, you will have to make $54,837 in Atlanta to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Atlanta, resting in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, offers unique hillier terrains and a wealth of nearby outdoor activities. Raleigh is situated on the Atlantic seaboard fall line, providing a more level landscape with plentiful green spaces and lakes.
Both Atlanta and Raleigh are hubs for education in the Southeast. Atlanta is home to reputable institutions like Georgia Tech and Emory University, while Raleigh is part of the Research Triangle, known for its high concentration of educational institutions like North Carolina State University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Duke University.
Atlanta has a more diverse economy, featuring sectors such as media, finance, and information technology. Conversely, Raleigh's economy is heavily concentrated around the tech industry and higher education, forming part of the Research Triangle Park, one of the largest tech hubs in the United States.
Biggest Employers
Atlanta's top employers are Delta Airlines, Emory University Healthcare, and The Home Depot. Raleigh's employment opportunities are heavily influenced by the North Carolina government, Duke University and Medical Center, and tech companies housed in the Research Triangle Park.
There were 855 building permits issued in Atlanta in 2012 (628 more than in 2011) compared to 1,354 building permits issued in Raleigh in 2012 (366 more than in 2011).
In Atlanta (Fulton County), 64.3% voted for Democrats and 34.5% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Raleigh (Wake County), 54.9% voted for Democrats and 43.5% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Atlanta
Raleigh
Atlanta
Raleigh
Atlanta
Raleigh
2020
72.6%
62.3%
26.2%
35.9%
1.2%
1.8%
2016
67.8%
57.4%
26.9%
37.2%
5.3%
5.5%
2012
64.3%
54.9%
34.5%
43.5%
1.2%
1.6%
2008
67.2%
56.8%
32.2%
42.3%
0.6%
0.9%
2004
59.4%
48.7%
40.0%
50.9%
0.7%
0.4%
2000
57.9%
46.1%
39.9%
53.2%
2.2%
0.7%
1996
58.9%
45.9%
36.9%
48.2%
4.1%
5.9%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Atlanta
Raleigh
Atlanta
Raleigh
CATHOLIC CHURCH
9.9%
11.0%
2.4%
2.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
7.9%
9.0%
14.7%
22.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
2.1%
1.1%
2.1%
1.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.4%
1.1%
1.7%
1.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
1.2%
0.2%
1.5%
1.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.8%
0.4%
1.1%
0.6%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.6%
1.5%
1.1%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.1%
0.4%
0.7%
0.6%
Weather
Residents and visitors should bring a mix of wardrobes for the humid subtropical climates of both cities. Atlanta experiences mild winters, but it can grapple with icy conditions and occasional snow. Raleigh's winters also witness sporadic snowfall with colder temperatures than Atlanta. Summers in both cities are hot and humid, with Raleigh having a slightly hotter average summer temperature.
Weather and climate
Type
Atlanta
Raleigh
Temperature - Average
61.7°F
59.8°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
73.9%
73.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
38%
44%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
90%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
49%
46%
Precipitation - Yearly average
51.4 in
46.2 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
4 in
13.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
18.3%
18.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
65.6%
63.9%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
17%
13%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
67%
64%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
50%
51%
Wind speed - Average
9 mph
7.1 mph
Average climate in Atlanta, Georgia
Average climate in Raleigh, North Carolina
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Atlanta
Raleigh
Atlanta
Raleigh
Atlanta
Raleigh
Atlanta
Raleigh
Atlanta
Atlanta
Raleigh
Atlanta
Raleigh
Atlanta
Raleigh
2018
84
71
0.27
0.23
N/A
4.9
24.7
27.5
N/A
N/A
17.5
14.6
10.6
9.5
0.8
0.2
2017
87
70
0.31
0.23
N/A
5.5
24.7
25.8
N/A
N/A
17.5
14.7
11.3
9.3
1.2
0.2
2016
105
80
0.31
0.23
N/A
5.6
25.9
26.9
N/A
N/A
17.2
8.7
11.1
10.0
1.0
0.3
2015
91
79
0.31
0.27
N/A
5.7
23.9
28.6
N/A
N/A
17.6
12.4
10.2
11.0
0.9
0.3
2014
88
74
0.31
0.26
N/A
6.0
24.0
29.9
N/A
N/A
18.4
N/A
9.1
11.2
1.1
0.3
2013
88
72
0.30
0.26
N/A
N/A
23.7
26.9
N/A
N/A
18.0
N/A
8.7
10.7
1.0
0.4
2012
109
80
0.33
0.28
N/A
N/A
26.2
29.7
N/A
N/A
19.5
N/A
9.8
9.5
1.1
0.6
2011
98
84
0.33
0.27
N/A
N/A
27.5
32.9
N/A
N/A
21.2
N/A
12.0
10.3
1.7
0.7
2010
102
89
0.35
0.30
N/A
N/A
25.8
32.4
N/A
N/A
18.5
N/A
12.5
10.9
1.9
1.0
2009
96
77
N/A
0.30
N/A
N/A
25.2
27.8
N/A
N/A
18.5
N/A
13.8
10.3
1.7
1.0
2008
99
99
0.53
0.36
15.3
N/A
31.2
32.3
0.003
N/A
22.5
N/A
16.3
12.5
2.5
1.4
2007
124
98
0.45
0.40
17.0
N/A
33.1
35.7
0.003
N/A
29.4
N/A
18.1
13.9
2.7
1.2
2006
129
90
0.58
0.44
17.9
N/A
31.3
31.9
0.003
N/A
22.9
N/A
19.7
13.5
3.4
0.9
2005
123
80
0.55
0.38
17.2
N/A
29.0
33.9
0.005
N/A
25.5
N/A
15.8
N/A
3.2
2.5
2004
118
82
0.54
0.40
16.9
N/A
28.8
28.4
0.004
N/A
22.9
N/A
14.6
N/A
2.8
2.6
2003
112
82
0.56
N/A
16.4
N/A
26.7
29.9
0.004
N/A
22.2
N/A
15.4
N/A
3.0
3.0
2002
120
89
0.60
N/A
19.4
N/A
27.9
36.1
N/A
N/A
23.2
N/A
13.1
N/A
3.0
2.6
2001
117
128
0.69
N/A
23.3
N/A
27.2
34.5
N/A
N/A
27.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.1
N/A
2000
132
115
0.50
0.64
22.9
N/A
31.2
34.1
N/A
N/A
28.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.2
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Atlanta
Raleigh
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
159.5%
95.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
153.4%
52.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
15%
18%
Transportation
Atlanta, with its extensive MARTA public transportation system and popular Beltline multi-use trail, offers fairly efficient public transit options. However, traffic can be challenging during peak hours. Raleigh's public transit system is relatively less developed but is improving, and commuting time is generally lower than in Atlanta.
Transport
Type
Atlanta
Raleigh
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
1
499
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
28
12
Means of transportation to work
Type
Atlanta
Raleigh
Bicycle
0.5%
0.2%
Bus
2.1%
1.1%
Carpooled
7.6%
8.5%
Car alone
84%
87.4%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Streetcar
1.1%
0%
Subway
0.4%
0%
Taxicab
0.3%
0.3%
Walked
1.9%
1.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
Atlanta
Raleigh
Average
34.9 min
29.4 min
Other means
24.4 min
22.5 min
Public transportation
47.8 min
39.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Atlanta
Raleigh
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
92.5%
90.1%
In 2 person carpool
6.7%
7.6%
In 3 person carpool
0.6%
1.4%
In 4 person carpool
0.3%
0.3%
In 5-6 person carpool
0%
0.6%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Atlanta leans more expensive than Raleigh, reflecting the larger city's higher cost of living. Atlanta still offers a variety of affordable neighborhoods for new families or single residents. Meanwhile, Raleigh maintains lower overall property costs, attracting many families and retirees.
Neighborhoods
Both cities have eclectic, diverse neighborhoods catering to vast demographics. In Atlanta, neighborhoods like Buckhead offer luxury living, while East Atlanta Village attracts younger crowds. Raleigh's communities such as North Hills and Five Points are family-friendly, boasting excellent schools and amenities.
Houses and residents
Type
Atlanta
Raleigh
Houses
253,355
217,866
Average household size (people)
2.1
2.4
Median year apartment built
1996
1995
Median year house/condo built
1976
1995
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.2 years
11.5 years
Houses occupied
232,720 (91.9%)
194,917 (89.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
113,092 (48.6%)
103,367 (53%)
Houses occupied by renters
119,628 (51.4%)
91,550 (47%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,226
$1,740
Median monthly housing costs
$1,504
$1,298
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$325,147
$302,120
Estimated median house or condo value
$375,500
$340,200
Median numbers of rooms
4.5
5.1
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.5
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
6.7
Median house price - detached houses
$585,854
$446,507
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$359,451
$403,968
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$453,504
$170,635
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$356,868
$306,998
Median house price - mobile homes
$149,278
$31,622
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$383,334
$292,086
Median house price - All housing units
$508,525
$404,828
Median house age
34
26
Renting percentage
55.1%
46.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,923
1,901.1
House value disparities
36.3%
30.8%
Household income disparities
47.8%
45.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$123,344
$114,680
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$75,939
$81,716
Housing units without a mortgage
1,022 (1.3%)
1,689 (2.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
5,566 (7%)
6,627 (8.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
78,250 (98.7%)
78,923 (97.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
58 (0.1%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
7,203 (9.1%)
7,783 (9.7%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
7
8
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2%
0.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.5%
0.5%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Atlanta
Raleigh
One, detached
37.5%
45.0%
One, attached
6.6%
14.0%
Two
2.4%
1.2%
3 or 4
3.9%
4.6%
5 to 9
5.9%
6.3%
10 to 19
5.7%
12.4%
20 to 49
6.8%
6.0%
50 or more
30.7%
9.2%
Mobile homes
0.5%
1.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
15,892
12,488
State government workers
13,288
19,792
Unpaid family workers
550
523
Industries and Occupations
While both cities have broad work sectors, Atlanta's media industry stands out with companies like CNN and WarnerMedia headquartered there. Raleigh is known for technology and research, housing operations for tech giants like IBM and Cisco. Healthcare also plays a vital role in both local economies.
Both cities feature extensive healthcare services. Atlanta is known for Emory Healthcare and the CDC, while Raleigh houses renowned facilities such as Duke University Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Atlanta
Raleigh
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Atlanta boasts larger infrastructure projects, including the world's busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International. In contrast, Raleigh has smaller, efficient infrastructure aligned with its lower population density and predominantly suburban layout. Both cities have ongoing infrastructure improvements to cater to their growth.
Infrastructure
Type
Atlanta
Raleigh
Hospitals
46
19
TV stations
22
20
Arenas or stadiums
6
3
Bank branches located here
235
136
Bank institutions located here
41
27
Main business address for public companies
85
21
Nuclear power plants nearby
0
1
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Atlanta
Raleigh
1999
1,775
1,618
2000
1,902
890
2001
1,552
557
2002
1,683
510
2003
3,212
564
2004
4,962
700
2005
9,078
1,083
2006
10,866
1,097
2007
6,626
859
2008
2,140
424
2009
731
253
Culture and Food
Southern traditions shape both cities’ culinary and cultural landscapes. Atlanta, known for its diverse food scene, offers everything from James Beard award-winning restaurants to popular multicultural eateries. Raleigh is also recognised for its culinary excellence and arts culture, but on a slightly smaller scale.
Sports Teams
Atlanta is home to major sports franchises, including the Atlanta Falcons (NFL), Atlanta Hawks (NBA), and Atlanta Braves (MLB). Raleigh has fewer major teams, but it’s the proud home of the Carolina Hurricanes (NHL) and minor league baseball team, the Durham Bulls.
Atlanta, GA
Raleigh, NC
Atlanta, GA and 
Raleigh, NC : 356.3 miles
