Atlanta, the bustling heart of the South, has long been marketed as a gateway city where ambition meets affordability.
With its vibrant neighborhoods, world-class jobs in film, tech, and logistics, and a cultural scene that rivals any metropolis, it’s no wonder transplants flock here year after year.
Is Atlanta Affordable?
But this year, as inflation lingers and housing headlines dominate, one question keeps popping up: Is Atlanta still a cheap place to live? We crunched the numbers from recent data to find out.
The short answer? Yes—relatively speaking. Atlanta’s overall cost of living sits about 4% below the national average, making it a steal compared to coastal powerhouses like New York or San Francisco.
For a single person, expect to shell out around $1,317 per month excluding rent, while a family of four might need about $4,810. That’s in line with the city’s median household income of $81,938, leaving room for that post-Peachtree Road Farmers Market splurge.
But let’s break it down category by category to see where your wallet might feel the pinch—or get a break.
Housing: The Big Ticket Item That’s (Mostly) Manageable
Housing remains the largest expense for most Atlantans, but it’s one area where the city shines brighter than the U.S. average.
The median home sale price in Atlanta hovered at $375,000 last month, a 5.1% dip from the previous year, with prices per square foot at $269
In the broader metro area, medians range from $335,000 in DeKalb County to $415,000 in Cobb, reflecting the sprawl’s variety from upscale Buckhead to up-and-coming East Atlanta Village.
Buying in the city center? Expect around $2,907 per square meter, or about $413,000 for a typical listing.
Renters fare even better: The average one-bedroom in the city center runs $1,809 monthly, dropping to $1,515 outside the core.
Overall, housing costs are 13% cheaper than the national average, with monthly homeowner expenses around $1,952—16% below the U.S. benchmark.
For families, a three-bedroom apartment averages $3,070 downtown or $2,250 in the suburbs. Pro tip: With inventory ticking up this fall, October could be prime time for deals.
Groceries and Dining: A Southern Spread Without the Sticker Shock
Feeding your crew won’t break the bank in ATL. Groceries are just 1% above the national average, with a single adult budgeting about $700 monthly or $8,400 annually.
Milk clocks in at $1.06 per liter, eggs at $4.25 a dozen, and a pound of chicken fillets at $14.01—prices that feel downright reasonable after a Publix run.
For produce lovers, bananas are a bargain at $1.38 per kilo, though apples ($7.29/kg) and tomatoes ($6.09/kg) can add up if you’re whipping up that gumbo weekly.
Dining out keeps the vibe affordable too: A cheap meal sets you back $25, while a mid-range dinner for two is $100. Grab a McMeal for $12 or a cappuccino for $5—perfect fuel for a BeltLine stroll.
Families might spend $1,361 monthly on food, a slight uptick from the U.S. average but offset by Georgia’s farm-fresh bounty.
Transportation: MARTA, Miles, and Gas Pumps
Getting around Atlanta’s legendary traffic is a rite of passage, but costs stay grounded. A one-way MARTA ticket is $2.50, with monthly passes at $95—right on par with national norms.
Gas? Just $0.79 per liter ($3.22/gallon), making those I-85 crawls less painful on the pump. Taxis start at $3.50 plus $1.49 per km, or hop in an Uber for similar fares.
For car owners, expect to budget around $67.94 for tire balancing, but public transit and biking options like the Atlanta Streetcar keep things flexible.
Overall, transportation edges 0% above the U.S. average, a win for commuters eyeing remote work hybrids.
Utilities and Essentials: Steady Bills in the Heat
Summer humidity means AC bills spike, but Atlanta’s utilities average $193 monthly for an 85-square-meter apartment—covering electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage.
That’s spot-on with national figures, though phone plans ($60 for 10GB+) and internet ($74) add up for cord-cutters. Families can expect $180–$220 for basics, a 0% deviation from the U.S. norm.
Goods and services? They’re 2% cheaper nationwide, with dry cleaning at $14.29 and a men’s dress shirt for $29.46—23% less than average. Entertainment fits the budget too: Movie tickets $15, gym memberships $40, and tennis court rentals $11.
Healthcare: A Notable Exception
Here’s where Atlanta stings a bit: Healthcare runs 8% above the national average. A doctor’s visit? $133. Dentist: $142. Optometrist: $130.
For families, this could mean tighter belts on non-essentials. Still, with top-tier facilities like Emory and Grady, quality justifies the premium.
The Verdict: Affordable Enough to Thrive
In 2025, Atlanta earns its rep as a cheap(ish) place to live—especially if you’re chasing big-city perks without the jaw-dropping tabs of LA or Boston.
Housing and goods give it an edge, while food and transit keep daily life humming.
Final Word
Sure, healthcare and the occasional grocery hike nibble at savings, but with average after-tax salaries at $4,966 monthly, most folks can build equity, brunch on weekends, and still sock away for that Falcons tailgate.
If you’re eyeing a move, factor in neighborhoods: Affordable gems like Decatur offer lower rents, while intown spots command premiums.
Atlanta isn’t dirt-cheap like some Rust Belt outposts, but for Southern soul with urban edge? It’s a sweet deal. What’s your take—bargain or bust? Drop us a line in the comments.
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