Atlanta logs 24 frost days a year to Raleigh's 39 — Atlanta wins by 15. Atlanta also leads on hot days by 14.

Atlanta runs about $3,400/mo for a balanced lifestyle against Raleigh's $3,382/mo — Raleigh comes in $18 cheaper each month, roughly 1% less.

On mobility, Atlanta scores 2.8 vs Raleigh's 2.4 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on flight connectivity. Raleigh still holds an edge on car efficiency.

Atlanta's culture score of 3.8 sits well above Raleigh's 3.1, with the biggest gap on theatre & performing arts.

Atlanta and Raleigh score neck-and-neck on nature & outdoors (3.8 vs 3.8, 0–5 scale).

Raleigh's safety score is ~1.4× Atlanta's — in the middle of the scale, while Atlanta lands below average, with the biggest gap on walking safety.

Atlanta's career score of 4.1 sits well above Raleigh's 3.7, with the biggest gap on economic scale.

Atlanta's social & community score of 3.8 sits well above Raleigh's 3.3, with the biggest gap on multicultural mix.

On food & dining, Atlanta scores 3.8 vs Raleigh's 2.8 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on restaurant variety.

On family, Atlanta scores 3.5 vs Raleigh's 2.7 (0–5 scale), with the biggest gap on yoga studios.

Atlanta and Raleigh score neck-and-neck on healthcare (2.1 vs 2.1, 0–5 scale).

Atlanta averages 9.4 µg/m³ (good) PM2.5 annually versus Raleigh's 7.7 µg/m³ (good) — Raleigh breathes ~18% cleaner air (1.7 µg/m³ lower).

Who Thrives Here