I was at the grocery store the other day and it seems as if the prices are higher than ever. It got me to thinking about how expensive Atlanta has become in general. I mean, you get hit in so many ways, from the parking to the Uber rides to the property taxes — it’s like it never ends!
What do you think? Has Atlanta gotten more costly over the past few years?
Is Atlanta Expensive?
Believe it or not, Atlanta’s cost of living is slightly below or around the national average, depending on the source, and higher than the Georgia state average.
In this article, we’ll show you how expensive Atlanta is compared to the rest of the nation —- and other parts of Georgia.
Here are key metrics from recent estimates:
- The cost of living in Atlanta is 17.6% less expensive than Seattle (excluding rent), with rent 30.4% lower than Seattle. Estimated monthly costs are $4,792.7 for a family of four (excluding rent) and $1,329.9 for a single person (excluding rent).
- Utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage, internet, and phone services, range from $130 to $350.
- Atlanta’s food costs are slightly above the national average.
- Transportation costs are close to the national average, with options for public transit, driving, or taxis.
Housing
Housing is the largest expense for most households in Atlanta. If you’re considering moving to Atlanta, you should know that costs vary significantly by neighborhood and whether you rent or buy.
Rent
- Average Rent (2025):
- 1-bedroom apartment in city center: $1,806.54 to $2,262 (furnished 45m² studio). Average: ~$1,900–$2,000/month.
- 1-bedroom outside city center: $1,503.80 to $1,515 (furnished 45m² studio). Average: ~$1,500/month.
- 3-bedroom apartment in city center: $3,070.23. Average: ~$3,000/month.
- 3-bedroom outside city center: $2,210 to $2,031 (85m² furnished). Average: ~$2,100/month.
- General average rent: $1,636/month for an apartment (0.2% below national average).
Looking for a new lease? Read our guide on easy ways to lower your rent.
Mortgage
The average value of an Atlanta home is on the decline. For a median-priced home (~$395,000), monthly payments are approximately $3,162, requiring an annual household income of $126,487 to keep payments at 30% of income.
- Price per square foot: $270.10 in city center, $199.34 outside center.
- Property taxes vary by county. Fulton County: 1.09%, Gwinnett County: 1.30%, Cobb County: 0.84%.
Housing costs are rising, potentially slowing population growth. Service workers may find it hard to live in the city due to high rents and limited public transit efficiency.
Average Monthly Expenses for an Atlanta Family
Monthly Expenses Table for a Three-Person Household in Atlanta:
| Category | Excluding Rent | Including Rent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (Rent) | $0 | $1,850 | Average 2-bedroom apartment outside city center ($1,800–$1,900, Numbeo/Expatistan). |
| Utilities | $210 | $210 | Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage (~$171–$241, scaled for 3 people). Internet: $55, Phone: $100 (2 lines). |
| Groceries | $525 | $525 | ~75% of family-of-four cost ($700, Apartments.com). Includes staples like milk ($3.84/gallon), eggs ($4.19/dozen), chicken ($6.62/lb). |
| Dining Out | $150 | $150 | 2 inexpensive restaurant meals ($23.50 each) + 2 fast food meals ($12 each) per month. |
| Transportation | $350 | $350 | Mix of public transit (MARTA monthly pass: $95) and car use (gas: $3.10/gallon, maintenance: ~$255). Scaled from $393 (Apartments.com). |
| Healthcare | $135 | $135 | Doctor visits ($128), dentist ($142), scaled for 3 people (87% of family-of-four cost, $155). Excludes insurance premiums. |
| Childcare | $1,000 | $1,000 | Private preschool for 1 child ($1,128, Numbeo, adjusted for moderate option). |
| Clothing | $90 | $90 | Scaled from $104.80 (Numbeo, single person). Jeans: $49.38, shoes: $90–$102. |
| Entertainment/Leisure | $200 | $200 | Fitness club ($44), 2 movie tickets ($15.50 each), occasional outings. Scaled from $226.41 (Numbeo). |
| Goods/Services | $900 | $900 | Toiletries, household items, dry cleaning, etc. (~88% of $1,025, Apartments.com). |
| Total | $3,560 | $5,410 | Excludes taxes and insurance. Income needed: $64,320/year (excluding rent) to $97,380/year (including rent), pre-tax. |
Final Word
Atlanta’s cost of living is ~4% below the national average but 7%–19.9% above Georgia’s average. Housing is 13% cheaper than the U.S. average, but healthcare and groceries are slightly higher.
When it comes to housing, you should know the Atlanta rental market before you lease anything.
As you might imagine, costs in affluent neighborhoods are higher while they are lower in suburbs (e.g., Decatur, McDonough: ~$1,500–$1,700 for 2-bedroom) and higher in upscale areas (e.g., Midtown: $2,500+).
The key? Look for ways to save money.
Costs can be reduced by using public transit exclusively ($95/month), shopping at discount stores, or choosing cheaper childcare options.
Want to save money on groceries and cut your bill in half? Of course, you do.