Atlanta has been named one of the top state capitals to live in, according to WalletHub’s 2025’s Best State Capitals to Live In report.
WalletHub compared the 50 state capitals across four metrics, including affordability, economic well-being, quality of education and health, and quality of life. The cities were also compared across 48 key livability indicators, including cost of living, K-12 school-system quality and number of attractions.
Atlanta ranked No. 5 on the list with a total score of 59.22. It also ranked sixth for quality of life and 11th for quality of education and health. Atlanta had an affordability ranking of 15 and ranked 13th for economic well being.
Atlanta also had one of the highest percentages of adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher, ranking No. 3 in that category. The city also had one of the highest average weekly working hours, tied for 47th place with Juneau, Alaska. It ranked No. 1 for number of restaurants per capita and tied for first place for number of attractions with Honolulu, Boston and Denver.
Atlanta also had one of the highest percentages of millennial newcomers, ranking fourth.
WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said that a state’s capital is more than just the seat of its government, it’s also often the center of its economic activity.
“Some state capitals boast incredible job markets, high average salaries, world-class universities and an abundance of attractions,” Lupo said. “Unfortunately, others have populations that are struggling financially, failing public education systems and poor public health systems. States should aim to make their capital city a shining example of the best they have to offer.”
Austin, Texas topped the list followed by Madison, Wisconsin, Raleigh, North Carolina and Boise, Idaho.