Cost of Living in Atlanta, Georgia

Aerial view of Downtown Atlanta near new homes in Atlanta, Georgia
Aerial view of Downtown Atlanta near new homes in Atlanta, Georgia

The Cost of Living in Atlanta, Georgia: A Homebuyers’ Guide to Atlanta Living Expenses

Discover the cost of living in Atlanta, Georgia, a city brimming with exciting opportunities. With its vast expanse and 28-county metropolitan area, Atlanta offers an array of affordable housing options to suit your needs. Let’s explore the average cost to live in Atlanta so you can see if the thriving state capital of Georgia could be the right spot for your next life chapter!


Summary:

  • Cost of Living in Atlanta, GA

  • Comparing Average Home Prices and Rent Costs in Atlanta

  • Other Living Expenses in Atlanta, GA

    • Grocery Shopping and Dining Out in Atlanta

    • Transportation Options and Fuel Costs in Atlanta

    • Healthcare and Insurance Costs in Atlanta

    • Utilities, Internet, and Phone Expenses in Atlanta

    • Tax Rates in the Atlanta Area

    • Recreation Costs in Atlanta, Georgia

  • Average Salary in Atlanta, GA

  • Average Cost of a New Construction Home in Atlanta by Neighborhood

  • Conclusion


Cost of Living in Atlanta, GA

Overall, the average cost of living in Atlanta, GA, hovers around the national average. In October 2023, the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) found the Atlanta cost of living index to be 100.4. RentCafe® data, sourced from C2ER’s research, places the Atlanta average cost of living at 2% lower than the national average and 9% higher than the state average as of September 2024.


Numbeo® estimates that, as of September 2024, the cost of living in Atlanta per month for a household of four is roughly $4,852, not including rent. For a single adult, the cost of living in Atlanta, GA, is approximately $1,348 monthly, excluding rental costs.


Comparing Average Home Prices and Rent Costs in Atlanta

Much like many big cities, housing plays a significant role in the cost of living for Atlanta, Georgia. For August 2024, Rocket Homes℠ finds the average sale price for homes in Atlanta is $421,780, while Zillow® reports a median sale price of $395,201 within that same period.


If you’re seeking an apartment, Numbeo puts a one-bedroom apartment in the city at around $1,900, while further outside the city perimeter, that living space runs about $1,480 as of August 2024.


Aerial view of The Battery Atlanta, highlighting Atlanta living expenses for recreation
Aerial view of The Battery Atlanta, highlighting Atlanta living expenses for recreation

Other Living Expenses in Atlanta, GA

Where you live in the city can and does impact the cost of other living expenses in Atlanta, Georgia. The closer you are to the city — or to more affluent suburbs — the more expensive things can be.


Grocery Shopping and Dining Out in Atlanta

Food is an essential factor when calculating Atlanta, Georgia, living expenses. Grocery costs in Atlanta are 1% higher than the national average, per RentCafe in September 2024. RentCafe’s data puts a loaf of bread at $4.13, a gallon of milk at $4.70, and a dozen eggs at $4.09. 


Atlanta has a plethora of restaurants with unique food to enjoy. The city and metro area offer a robust roster of restaurants and a seemingly never-ending list of bars, cafes, and eateries. Whatever your budget or vibe might be, there’s a spot in and around Atlanta for you. Generally speaking, a three-course meal for two may cost up to $90, while a quick stop for one person could average $23, according to September 2024 data from Numbeo.


Transportation Options and Fuel Costs in Atlanta

Transportation costs in Atlanta are on par with the national average, reports RentCafe in September 2024. If you’re paying for gas, prices can vary and change weekly, though as of September 2024, a gallon of regular unleaded averages $3.04 per AAA®. 


You could also hop on MARTA, Atlanta’s public transportation system. In 2024, tickets are $1 for a single trip with no transfers, $9 for a one-day pass, or $95 for a 30-day pass. 


Healthcare and Insurance Costs in Atlanta

Atlanta has several quality hospitals and health systems, including Grady Health, Emory Hospital, Northside Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Atlanta, Piedmont Healthcare, and Northeast Georgia Health System. The city’s healthcare costs are 8% higher than the national average, reports RentCafe, offering this breakdown of approximate healthcare expenses as of September 2024: 


  • Doctor's visit: $128.01

  • Dentist: $148.65

  • Optometrist: $129.60


The cost of healthcare does depend on your insurance provider and what your plan covers. MoneyGeek® finds affordable monthly insurance premiums in Atlanta for a 40-year-old adult tend to range from $334 to $785 as of September 2024. 


Utilities, Internet, and Phone Expenses in Atlanta

According to September 2024 data from RentCafe, utilities are 15% lower than the national average, making this expense a much more affordable factor in the monthly cost of living in Atlanta. RentCafe reports the average energy bill in Atlanta is $149.28, although that number may increase during warmer summer months. 


Phone costs average $191 monthly, per RentCafe, while internet costs depend on your provider and if you bundle that expense with your phone bill. Forbes® reports that average internet fees start at around $39 per month as of August 2024.


Tax Rates in the Atlanta Area

As of 2024, the Tax Foundation reports that Georgia has a rate of 5.49% for individual income taxes and a 4% state sales tax. Atlanta also has a 1% municipal sales tax, per the city government website. 


Property taxes vary depending on the county. For example, as of 2024, SmartAsset® finds that Fulton County has an average property tax rate of 1.09% and Gwinnett County has an average rate of 1.30%, two of the pricier areas in the Atlanta metro area. However, Cobb County property tax rates are lower at 0.84%.


Recreation Costs in Atlanta, Georgia

Some of the most popular attractions in Atlanta are free, including strolling the Atlanta Beltline®, snapping photos in Centennial Olympic Park, or picnicking in Piedmont Park. You could catch some Atlanta Braves™ baseball for as little as $9 or an Atlanta United® soccer match for just $20, depending on the game and the day of the week. 


Outside city limits, you can explore Stone Mountain Park™ for a $20 entrance fee or enjoy a day at the Chattahoochee River with a $5 parking pass.


Average Salary in Atlanta, GA

Salaries depend on job skills, education, the company, and location, especially in this age of remote work. As of September 2024, the average annual salary in Atlanta is around $71,620, according to ZipRecruiter®. Obtaining data from small and medium-sized businesses, Gusto® reports a median salary of $59,160 as of August 2024.


Exterior of a new construction home, reflecting the cost of living in Atlanta, Georgia
Exterior of a new construction home, reflecting the cost of living in Atlanta, Georgia

Average Cost of a New Construction Home in Atlanta by Neighborhood

Buying a new home can be an exciting decision. When choosing the right area in Atlanta, it helps to consider any potential commutes and proximity to your favorite activities while also getting a feel for the neighborhood. 


The cost of living in Atlanta suburbs tends to be lower. So, if you opt for a home in one of these lovely spots, you can still benefit from easy access to all the city offers by hopping on one of the conveniently close highways. Let’s take a look at the cost of a brand-new home in some of Atlanta’s most popular suburbs. 


Midtown

Living in Midtown Atlanta means being in the center of city life. While you won’t find any houses among the skyscrapers, you can purchase a condo. Realtor.com® lists the range of condo prices in Midtown from the $200Ks to several million dollars as of August 2024. 


Buckhead

Buckhead is known for its dynamic nightlife, beautiful homes, and Lenox® Square — the place to shop luxury brands. According to NewHomeSource™, the average price of new construction homes in Buckhead is in the mid $400Ks as of August 2024.


McDonough 

McDonough sits in Henry County, about 30 miles outside of the city of Atlanta. McDonough’s popularity is growing due to its mix of everyday conveniences and stores, outdoor activities, and proximity to Atlanta. Building a new home in the McDonough area ranges from the high $200Ks to high $600Ks, according to NewHomeSource in August 2024. 


Covington

Covington, Georgia, is somewhat famous, appearing as the backdrop for popular TV shows like The Vampire Diaries® and The Dukes of Hazzard®, as well as movies like Remember the Titans® and Selma®, according to the city’s tourism website in January 2024. Covington is known for its beautiful and historic downtown with quiet streets, a picturesque center square, and boutiques and family-owned restaurants lining the sidewalks. 


The cost of new construction homes in Covington ranges from the low $300Ks to the mid $400Ks, according to NewHomeSource as of August 2024. Our new homes in Covington, GA, start from the low $300Ks.


Gainesville

Gainesville requires a commute if you work in the city, but it has that slower, quieter lifestyle - and access to Lake Lanier - that many seek. It’s also conveniently located off of I-985, which leads right into the perimeter of Atlanta. The downtown square is a popular local hangout thanks to its boutiques, bars, breweries, and restaurants. 


Building a new home in Gainesville can range from the mid $400Ks to the mid $500Ks, according to NewHomeSource in August 2024. Our new homes in Gainesville, GA, start in the upper $300Ks.


Conclusion

While the cost to live in Atlanta, Georgia, may be slightly higher than the rest of the state, you can still soak up all the vibrant culture, attractions, and opportunities without breaking the bank. Atlanta has something for everyone!


Explore new homes in Atlanta, GA, today, or browse more Centex® blogs



Written By: Alexandra Shimalla, Freelance Journalist

Last Updated: 12/31/24