How Much Does it Cost to Live in Atlanta, GA?

Thinking about moving to Atlanta? One thing you'll want to consider is ATL's cost of living. Whether you're moving across the country or moving a short distance from a neighboring city—the cost of living may vary a little from your previous location. If you're considering hiring movers, ask questions before hiring that can help you stay within budget. To help you gauge the cost of living in Atlanta, here are average prices and percentages comparing costs to the national average!

Cost of living data provided by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER).

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Atlanta?

Atlanta's average cost of living is about 3.9% lower than the national average—making Atlanta a fairly affordable major city, which is important for those deciding where to move to. And, Atlanta living expenses like housing, and goods and services offer the most savings. See detailed cost of living comparisons to the national average below!

Cost of Housing in Atlanta

Home and rental prices in Atlanta are quite reasonable, about 13% less than the national average. If you're considering buying a home in ATL, expect costs to be about 17% cheaper than the national average, and rental prices to be about 6% cheaper. Housing costs will vary depending on which Atlanta neighborhood you choose, so be sure to keep your budget in mind when deciding! Here's how Atlanta purchase and rental prices compare to the U.S. average.

Cost of Utilities in Atlanta (Monthly)

The average cost of utilities in Atlanta is close to the national average, only 1% higher. Energy prices in Atlanta are nearly 2% higher, whereas you can expect phone bills to cost about the same as the national average.

Cost of Groceries in Atlanta

Because Atlanta is a major metropolitan city, groceries are slightly more expensive than the national average—costing ATL residents about 1% more. A typical household can expect to pay anywhere from $300 - $500 on groceries each month—with the most costly items being bread, eggs, and coffee. Keep in mind that your home size, lifestyle, and where you choose to shop will affect these prices. Here is an item breakdown of how much groceries cost in Atlanta!

Cost of Healthcare in Atlanta

Overall, Atlanta healthcare is nearly 7% more expensive compared to the national average, and is one of the more expensive cost categories. While dentist visits and prescriptions are where you'll see higher costs, doctor and optometrist appointments are closer to the national average. See how Atlanta medical services compare below!

Cost of Transportation in Atlanta

Transportation in Atlanta costs almost 2% more than the national average. A gallon of gas costs slightly less, while tire balances are more expensive. Most commuters in Atlanta drive a car, but if you're looking to cut costs in this category, consider public transportation options like the MARTA.

Cost of Goods & Services in Atlanta

Goods and services in Atlanta, like going to the movies or visiting the hair salon, cost about 2.5% less than the national average. While some specific services are more expensive, depending on your lifestyle and personal budget, you may see lower or higher costs in this category. Here is a cost comparison for some common items!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it expensive to live in Atlanta?

With Atlanta's overall cost of living 3.9% less than the national average cost of living, it is pretty reasonable to live in Atlanta! Some things cost more, like haircuts and trips to the beauty salon. However, you can save money in other areas, like gasoline and doctor visits. Depending on how much you spend on groceries, goods, and services, you could expect to spend less than the national average.

What salary is needed to live comfortably in Atlanta?

A typical single adult in Atlanta may need to earn about $107,453 annually to live comfortably, while a family of four may need to earn closer to $230,880 annually. With that being said, because Atlanta's overall cost of living is cheaper than the national average, living in ATL on a smaller budget is possible! Consider affordable Atlanta neighborhoods like Cabbagetown, Midtown, or North Buckhead to help you save on costs.

What are the average monthly expenses in Atlanta?

Your total monthly expenses in Atlanta will vary greatly depending on your home size, lifestyle, and which area of ATL you live in. On average, a single adult can expect to spend between $1,300 - $1,500 per month, excluding rent. If you're on a budget, consider areas to cut costs, such as cutting down on entertainment or using public Atlanta transportation.

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