Brookhaven, GA vs Decatur, GA

Brookhaven, GA and Decatur, GA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.8% difference in their overall index. Brookhaven scores 144 while Decatur scores 141 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Brookhaven is $1,789/month compared to $1,716/month in Decatur — a 4% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Decatur is more affordable at $655,900 median vs $660,300.

Median household income in Brookhaven is $117,448 compared to $140,480 in Decatur (-16.4%). Decatur offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Brookhaven spend roughly 18.3% of their income on rent, more than the 14.7% in Decatur.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (61.5°F vs 61.5°F). Decatur receives more rainfall at 51.4" per year compared to 51.4" in Brookhaven.