As Atlanta’s bustling job market continues to attract professionals from across the country, one question we hear frequently is: “Is $90,000 a good salary here?”
With the city’s vibrant tech scene, film industry, and corporate hubs drawing in talent, salaries can vary widely by role and experience.
Can You Make It On $90K a Year in Atlanta?
But let’s break it down with the latest 2025 data to see if $90k stacks up against the realities of living in the A-T-L.
How Does $90k Compare to Atlanta’s Average Salary?
First things first: $90,000 places you solidly above the city’s median earnings. The average annual salary in Atlanta hovers around $71,620, according to recent labor market analyses.
Other sources peg it slightly higher at about $82,000 for base pay across various professions. For context, the median salary citywide is closer to $59,160, meaning half of Atlanta workers earn less.
If you’re in high-demand fields like IT, finance, or healthcare, $90k might feel entry-level—but for many roles in marketing, education, or admin, it’s a strong earner.
After taxes, that $90k shakes out to roughly $65,855 in take-home pay annually (or about $5,488 monthly), assuming standard deductions in Georgia. That’s enough to cover essentials and then some, but how far does it really go?
Breaking Down Atlanta’s Cost of Living in 2025
Atlanta’s overall cost of living is about 4% below the national average, making it a more affordable big city than places like New York or San Francisco.
However, housing remains the biggest expense, and with inflation ticking up, everyday costs like groceries and gas have crept higher. Here’s a snapshot for a single adult (excluding rent):
- Monthly essentials (food, transport, utilities, etc.): Around $1,317–$1,500.
- For a family of four: Up to $4,810, not including housing.
Add in rent or a mortgage, and the total monthly outlay for a comfortable single lifestyle lands between $2,500 and $3,200. Let’s dive deeper.
Housing: The Make-or-Break Factor
Housing eats up the largest chunk of your budget in Atlanta.
The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,498, while a two-bedroom runs about the same at $1,499—yes, you read that right; space comes cheap in some neighborhoods.
If you’re buying, the average home value sits at $392,310, with median prices forecasted between $380,000 and $424,792 for 2025. At current mortgage rates (hovering 5.8%–6.2%), that could mean $2,200 monthly for a suburban family home.
On $90k, you could comfortably afford a $1,500–$1,800 rent in trendy spots like Midtown or a more affordable suburb like Decatur, leaving room for savings.
Groceries and Dining Out
Expect to pay about 1% more than the national average for groceries. A single person might budget $400–$500 monthly for staples, or $8,400 annually if you’re cooking at home.
For families, that’s closer to $900. Atlanta’s food scene is a perk—think affordable Southern eats and farmers’ markets—but eating out frequently could add $200–$300 extra.
Transportation: MARTA, Gas, or Rideshares?
Getting around is 1.7% pricier than average. A MARTA monthly pass costs $95, gas is $3.14 per gallon, and if you’re driving, factor in $800 monthly for a family (including insurance and maintenance). Many Atlantans rely on cars due to sprawl, but remote work trends have eased commutes for some.
Utilities and Miscellany
Basic utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet) for a 915 sq ft apartment average $200–$205 monthly. Healthcare runs 6.7%–8% above national norms, so budget $300–$400 for premiums if not employer-covered. Goods and services? Just 2.5% higher overall.
What a $90k Budget Looks Like in Atlanta
Here’s a sample monthly breakdown for a single professional on $90k (post-tax: ~$5,488):
| Category | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | $1,500 | Central location |
| Groceries | $450 | Home-cooked meals |
| Utilities | $200 | Basic setup |
| Transportation | $150 | MARTA + occasional Uber |
| Dining/Entertainment | $300 | Date nights, events |
| Healthcare/Misc | $400 | Gym, streaming, etc. |
| Savings/Debt | $1,000+ | Emergency fund or student loans |
| Total | $4,000 | Leaves ~$1,488 for flexibility |
For a family of four in the suburbs? Bump housing to $2,200 (mortgage), add $900 for food and $800 for transport/childcare—totaling ~$5,500. That’s tighter, but doable with dual incomes.
Factors That Could Make or Break It
- Lifestyle: Love luxury? $90k might feel stretched in Buckhead. Prefer frugal vibes in East Atlanta? You’ll thrive.
- Family Size: Singles or couples can live very comfortably; families may need $100k+ for “easy” breathing room.
- Job Perks: Employer-covered health or transit benefits stretch your dollar further.
- Inflation Watch: With 2025 forecasts showing modest rises in housing (2–4% appreciation), now’s a solid time to lock in.
The Verdict: Yes, $90k Is a Good Salary in Atlanta
In short, $90,000 is a good salary in Atlanta—above average, affording a solid middle-class life with room for fun and savings.
It’s not “quiet luxury” territory, but for most, it means no scraping by. If you’re job hunting, aim for roles in growing sectors like cybersecurity or logistics to push toward $100k+.
Atlanta has one of the best real estate markets in the country, with affordable housing in every quadrant of the city. Large backyards, manicured parcels and strong neighborhoods with ample dining amenities make it one of the top places for transplants.
Not to mention that the city’s dining scene is the best in the Southeast. Looking for a home? Check out our Real Estate Resource Page.
Keep up with what’s going on in Atlanta’s real estate scene here with our Apartment Guide.
See The Latest Atlanta Real Estate News At AtlantaFi.com.
More Articles From AtlantaFi:
- Most Expensive Homes in Atlanta Right Now
- Apartment Resource Guide: Atlanta
- How To Rent An Apartment In Atlanta
Ready to land that $90k gig? Browse our Atlanta job listings today and see what’s out there. What’s your take—dream salary or just getting by? Drop a comment below!