Thinking about moving to the Southeast? Atlanta, GA and Charlotte, NC are two vibrant cities offering unique lifestyles, employment opportunities, and things to do. In this guide, we’ll compare these two cities using factors like cost of living, job markets, education, climate, and more to help you decide which city matches your wants and needs for a new home.
Should You Move to Atlanta or Charlotte?
Both Atlanta and Charlotte have thriving economies, diverse cultures, and lots of big-city amenities. Your choice of where to move depends on your personal preferences and priorities for moving. For example, Atlanta is more of a bustling urban environment with a rich cultural scene, while Charlotte provides a more laid-back atmosphere with a growing job market.
Consider the Cost of Living in Atlanta & Charlotte
The cost of living is one of the primary factors to consider when moving to a new city, since it determines whether you can even afford to live there. Though the cost of living in Atlanta and Charlotte is above the national average, it’s important to remember that it’s true of many large cities, especially state capitals like Atlanta.
ATL Offers a Rich Lifestyle
Though Atlanta’s cost of living is 16% higher than the national average—largely due to rising home prices—it’s important to remember that this number is subject to change. Home prices in Atlanta are down over 10% compared to the previous year. While Atlanta may be pricier than Charlotte in some categories, it also offers better schools, more entertainment amenities, and greater cultural diversity, making it an attractive option for those seeking a dynamic urban lifestyle.
Charlotte Offers Affordable Living
Charlotte’s cost of living is also above the national average, but less than Atlanta’s, by only 8%. Generally speaking, the price to live in Charlotte is lower than the U.S. average in categories like utilities and transportation. Home to safe and affordable neighborhoods like Ballantyne West and Sardis Woods, and with a growing job market and a higher safety rating than Atlanta, it’s easy to balance lifestyle and cost in Charlotte.
Q: Is it cheaper to live in Atlanta or Charlotte?
A: Because Charlotte generally has a lower cost of living than Atlanta—especially for housing—it’s probably cheaper to live in Charlotte, though it also depends on your lifestyle. While both cities have affordable options compared to other major metros, Charlotte’s home prices and expenses tend to be more budget-friendly. Atlanta is a larger city, which can mean higher rent and home prices.
Find a Career in Atlanta & Charlotte
Both Atlanta and Charlotte have healthy economies, but they cater to different industries. Your industry and company may help you decide if it’s better to live in Atlanta or Charlotte.
Film, Aerospace, & Tech Careers Thrive in Atlanta
If you’re interested in finding job opportunities in Atlanta, the Big Peach ranks 23rd among the top 100 cities for jobs in 2025. It’s home to the headquarters of major companies like Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, UPS, and more. The variety of major names has helped create a growing job market dominated by top industries like technology, manufacturing, entertainment, aerospace technology, and more. Atlanta is also a major hub for the film industry, thanks to generous tax incentives, diverse shooting locations, and a well-established production infrastructure. While Atlanta’s median household income and unemployment rate are comparable to Charlotte’s, it has a broader range of industries to choose from.
Charlotte Is a Hub for Finance & Healthcare
Home to Bank of America’s headquarters, Charlotte boasts one of the nation’s largest financial centers, making it a top choice for those in finance and business. Queen City also hosts a growing healthcare industry, with major institutions like Atrium Health and Novant Health. Compared to Atlanta, Charlotte has a lower income per capita, but with a comparable unemployment rate and a lower cost of living, it’s still an attractive city for professionals looking for career stability.
Q: Does Atlanta or Charlotte have a better job market?
A: Atlanta has a larger, more diverse job market with industries like tech, film, healthcare, and more. However, Charlotte is also thriving in areas like banking and financing. Your industry and career goals will determine which city is the better fit for you.
Get Around By Car or Rail in Atlanta & Charlotte
While both are car-friendly cities, they each offer their own range of public transit options and walkable neighborhoods. Read below to learn how public transportation fares in Atlanta vs. Charlotte.
Atlanta Offers Some Public Transit
While Atlanta is largely a car-dependent city, it does have the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), which connects the metro with trains, buses, and streetcars to make commuting more manageable, especially if you’re working downtown or need to travel to or from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. However, there are highly walkable Atlanta neighborhoods with easy travel to shops, parks, and restaurants, including Midtown, Inman Park, and Virginia-Highland. Compared to Charlotte, Atlanta has a more expansive transit system, but as a car-focused city, traffic can be congested and contribute to longer commute times.
Charlotte’s Transit Is Growing
As another driver-friendly city, Charlotte’s public transit supplements its lower walkability score with the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), which includes the LYNX Blue Line light rail, Gold Line streetcar, bus services, and more. Also under CATS is CATS Micro, an on-demand rideshare service that costs the same as bus fare. And while it’s not as extensive as Atlanta’s MARTA, the LYNX line makes getting around key parts of the city—like Fourth Ward, First Ward, and Second Ward—much easier without a car, contributing to a below-average commute time.
Q: Is public transportation better in Atlanta or Charlotte?
A: Atlanta has the edge with MARTA, an expansive system of bus and rail lines that cover much of the metro’s hot spots. While Charlotte’s public transit is still growing, it doesn’t yet match the coverage available in Atlanta. However, CATS Micro is a unique approach to public rideshares that provides low-cost transit on demand.
Pursue Higher Education in Atlanta & Charlotte
Home to top-ranked colleges and diverse programs, both cities are great for pursuing higher education. Learn more about what colleges and universities look like in Atlanta vs. Charlotte.
Atlanta Is a Hub for Higher Education
Numerous colleges in Atlanta help contribute to the city’s workforce and diverse student population. Start your education in engineering, computer science, business administration, and more at Georgia Tech. Study psychology, political science, economics, and more at Spelman College, one of four prominent HBCUs in Atlanta. Or pursue nursing, pre-med, law, and more at Emory University— which is affiliated with Emory Healthcare, one of the largest healthcare systems in Georgia.
Charlotte Offers Niche Educational Options
Students can also choose from a variety of reputable colleges and universities in Charlotte. Explore hands-on programs in culinary arts, hospitality management, or criminal justice at Johnson & Wales University – Charlotte. Hone your skills in nursing, communications, psychology, and more at Queens University of Charlotte. Or study multimedia storytelling, sports communication, conservation biology, and more at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Q: Should I go to college in Atlanta or Charlotte?
A: Both cities have solid options for higher education, but they offer different experiences. Atlanta has multiple top-tier universities with a variety of programs that can help you find employment in the city’s wide job market and beyond. Charlotte provides a quieter atmosphere with industry-focused programs. Which city is better for your education depends on what you want to study and whether you prefer the bustling energy of a large city or a more laid-back environment.
Expect Hot Summers in Atlanta & Mild Winters in Charlotte
The weather is often a primary concern when moving to a new place. These Southern cities both offer mild winters and hot, humid summers. Read below to see how their climates compare.
Atlanta Brings the Heat
Looking to escape the cold in your area? The climate in Atlanta may be right for you! Summers in Atlanta can get hot and humid, with highs reaching the upper 80s. Atlanta winters, on the other hand, are fairly mild with little snow. With an average annual precipitation of 47 inches, it’s wise to bring an umbrella!
Charlotte Offers Distinct Seasons
If you’re into seasonal changes and mild winters, then you’ll love Charlotte’s climate. Charlotte summers can get hot, with temperatures also hovering around the 90s, and winters typically drop to an average of around 32 degrees without much snowfall. Spring and fall are vibrant seasons with mild temperatures. Though both cities experience the heat and humidity common to the Southeast, Charlotte’s seasonal variety is appealing to those who like changing weather without extreme temperatures or consistently humid environments.
Q: Does Charlotte or Atlanta have better weather?
A: Both Charlotte and Atlanta share a humid subtropical climate, but Charlotte has more seasonal variety, including scenic falls and sometimes winter frost. Atlanta has hotter summers and generally higher winter temps, which is ideal for those who dislike cold weather.
Explore Parks, Trails & Green Space in Atlanta & Charlotte
It’s easy to find outdoor activities in Atlanta and Charlotte. No matter if you like strolls through the park, biking trails, or outdoorsy weekend getaways, both cities offer plenty of green space. Discover what outdoor activities each city offers below.
Discover Endless Trails & Green Spaces in Atlanta
Atlanta lives up to its nickname “City in the Forest” with its tree-lined streets and scenic parks like Centennial Olympic Park, Piedmont Park, and Grant Park. Outdoor enthusiasts have plenty of ways to stay active, from biking the Atlanta Beltline trail system to exploring nature in the nearby Northeast Georgia Mountains for a weekend hike or camping trip.
Charlotte Has Outdoor Fun for Every Season
There are also plenty of things to do outdoors in Charlotte! Residents enjoy over 200 parks operated by the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department, including the scenic Freedom Park and Charlotte greenways like Lower McAlpine, McMullen, and Four Mile Creek Greenway. Beyond serene backdrops, the Charlotte area also offers activities for water-lovers and thrill-seekers, like paddleboarding or boating at Lake Norman, or rafting at the U.S. National Whitewater Center.
Q: Does Atlanta or Charlotte have better outdoor activities?
A: Both cities are great for outdoor lovers, but Atlanta has more green space within the city limits. Charlotte, on the other hand, offers more variety nearby, with access to lakes and rivers outside the city limits.
Dive In to the Lifestyle & Southern Charm in Atlanta & Charlotte
With countless venues for live music, museums, festivals, and nightlife spots, whether you should move to Atlanta or Charlotte depends on what vibe you’re looking for. Explore how each city brings a unique flair to the lifestyle it offers!
Experience Atlanta’s Rich Culture & Inclusive Spirit
Atlanta’s lifestyle is a celebration of diversity, history, and community. The “LGBTQ capital of the South” supports a thriving community with inclusive neighborhoods like Midtown and events like the Out on Film Festival and Atlanta Pride, as well as with lively Atlanta nightlife spots like My Sister’s Room and quirky hot spots like Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium and establishments surrounding walkable neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward. Explore a wealth of historical sites in Atlanta, like the Martin Luther King Jr. Birth Home, and museums like the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, APEX Museum, and Atlanta History Center, which provide deep insight into the city’s Civil Rights legacy and Black history. The city is also a haven for sports fans of all kinds. Turn out and cheer for professional Atlanta sports teams like the Atlanta Falcons (NFL), Atlanta Hawks (NBA), Atlanta United (MLS), Atlanta Dream (WNBA), and the Atlanta Vibe (PVF).
Soak Up the Arts, Sports & Southern Spirit in Charlotte
Charlotte’s lifestyle blends rich culture, lively events, and that classic Southern charm. Dig in to local history and creativity at museums like the Mint Museum, Bechtler Museum of Art, and the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture. Attend Queen City festivals like Festival in the Park, Kings Drive Art Walk, and the Latin American Festival of Charlotte to enjoy live music, great food, and community. Get your sports fix by getting tickets to big games from teams like Carolina Panthers (NFL), Charlotte Hornets (NBA), Carolina Ascent FC (USLS), and Charlotte Knights (MiLB). For racing enthusiasts, visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame to learn about the history of the sport or catch an actual race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Q: Does Atlanta or Charlotte have a more vibrant art scene?
A: While both cities have strong arts communities, Atlanta’s is both larger in scale and has more international recognition. Atlanta is home to world-renowned institutions like the High Museum of Art, historic venues like Fox Theatre, and many other art galleries, theaters, and festivals. Charlotte’s art scene is smaller, but growing, with creative hubs like the Mint Museum, Bechtler Museum of Art, and the Gantt Center.
Find Family-Friendly Fun in Atlanta & Charlotte
Both Atlanta and Charlotte offer a blend of highly rated schools, safe neighborhoods, and fun attractions that attract residents with families. Check out what makes each city a great place for families!
Atlanta Provides Fun for Families of All Ages
If you’re moving to Atlanta with your family, you’ll love the mix of great schools—the best public schools in Atlanta include Mary Lin Elementary, Heards Ferry Elementary, and Midtown High School. And Atlanta’s family-friendly neighborhoods like Buckhead, Candler Park, and Old Fourth Ward offer walkable streets, close-knit community, and plenty of kid-friendly activities in the Big Peach! Gaze in awe at stunning marine life like whale sharks, sea lions, dolphins, and more as you learn about marine life and conservation efforts at Georgia Aquarium. Sign the kids up to attend after-school classes, audition for upcoming plays, or enroll in the Camp Stardust Summer Musical Theatre Camps at the Atlanta Children’s Theatre Company. Learn about your favorite players and teams as you stroll through the College Football Hall of Fame. Play in the splash pad, enjoy a family picnic, and more at Historic Fourth Ward Park, right off the Atlanta Beltline.
Charlotte Welcomes Growing Families
Charlotte blends small-town charm with big-city amenities, making it a great choice for families. Top high schools in Charlotte, like Providence High School and Ardrey Kell High School, will help your kids thrive academically, and family-friendly neighborhoods like Ballantyne West and Myers Park provide a peaceful suburban feel while still within reach of the city’s things to do. Have a relaxing day of playing and picnicking among scenic walking trails, playgrounds, and sports fields at Freedom Park. Engage your senses while you bring the kids to exhibits like A New Moon Rises, Cool Stuff, and Project Build at Discovery Place Science. Explore marine life and get face-to-face with sharks and rays at SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord. Ride the roller coasters and cool off at the water park in the summer at Carowinds, only a 20-minute drive outside the city.
Q: Is Atlanta or Charlotte safer for families?
A: While Charlotte has a lower overall crime rate, both Charlotte and Atlanta have safe, family-friendly neighborhoods to choose from. Charlottean neighborhoods like Ballantyne West and Barclay Downs are popular for families based on home prices and safety. Safe Atlanta neighborhoods for families include Buckhead, Candler Park, and Old Fourth Ward.
Enjoy Big-City Vibes & Culture
Looking for a vibrant lifestyle in Atlanta and Charlotte? With exciting career opportunities with major companies, pulsing nightlife, and buzzing social scenes, both of these hubs rank among the best cities for young professionals. Check out what each of these Southern cities offers for young professionals!
Atlanta Delivers Culture, Cocktails & Community
For young adults who like the energy of a big city with a strong cultural heartbeat, Atlanta delivers. Some of the best neighborhoods in Atlanta for singles and young professionals include Midtown, Inman Park, and Buckhead, which offer access to a variety of amenities. Enjoy a delicious weekend brunch date, with options like the White Cheddar Hushpuppies, Braised Short Rib, or Buttermilk Poppy Seed Pancakes, as well as a variety of whiskey flights at Southern Gentleman. See concerts from big names like Ice Nine Kills, The Fray, Calum Scott, and more at popular Atlanta music venue Tabernacle. Enjoy live music, tapas, science demonstrations, exhibits, a full bar, and more at the 21+ event Fernbank After Dark, hosted by the Fernbank Museum. Grab a late-night snack after a night on the town with meals hot off the griddle like Short Stack, Eggs Rancheros, or the Triple Decker Club With Bacon at the popular Majestic Diner.
Charlotte Brings Chill Spots & Rooftop Views
Charlotte offers a more relaxed lifestyle than Atlanta, but it’s still full of exciting nightlife options while retaining a laid-back atmosphere. Dilworth, Elizabeth, and First Ward rank among the best neighborhoods in Charlotte for singles and young professionals, each providing a range of bars, restaurants, and clubs to help unwind after a long week. Plan an energetic night out with friends or date night with a variety of shows like Dance Gavin Dance, Kpop Club Night, and 2000s Rave night at Fillmore, one of the best places for live music in Charlotte. Sip cocktails like the Duke’s Pearl, Electress, and the Sage of Aquarius while you take in an aerial view of Queen City from the five-story-high patio of the upscale Aura Rooftop Bar. Gather with friends to enjoy savory pub fare like the Buffalo Chicken Pizza, Black & Bleu Burger, and the Cedar Club while watching the Carolina Panthers (NFL) or Charlotte Hornets (NBA) play at the Cedar Street Tavern. Catch country and blues shows like Braxton Keith and Ryan Montgomery—or bring your boots to line dance in style during workshops and competitions at Coyote Joe’s.
Q: Does Atlanta or Charlotte have better nightlife?
A: Atlanta has a more expansive nightlife scene than Charlotte, with a variety of lounges, bars, and live music venues like Tabernacle, Southern Gentleman, and The EARL. Charlotte’s growing social scene offers lively bars, breweries, and clubs—however, the vibe in Charlotte tends to be more laid-back than Atlanta’s highly energetic atmosphere.
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