“Atlanta has clearly emerged as one of our nation’s hotbeds for innovation and entrepreneurship. We have start-up technology companies in our city that are creating jobs and next generation global companies.” said Brian McGowan. “ We intend to do whatever is necessary to help them grow and attract entrepreneurs from around the country to take advantage of our world class innovation ecosystem.” - Brian McGowan, President and CEO, Invest Atlanta

Cost of Living Index (Georgia Cities)

The Council for Community and Economic Research tracks the cost of living in three major Georgia cities as part of an index released quarterly. Its data shows that Atlanta, Augusta and Savannah all have composite scores below the national average of 100. In 2011, costs continued to rise in Atlanta and Augusta based on the data from the third quarter of 2009 to the third quarter of 2011. Atlanta's composite score increased to 96.7, while Augusta was up to 93.8. Savannah's index fell to 91.9 after a modest increase in 2010.

Source: The Council for Community and Economic Research