This peachy place has a range of options for various budgets.
As the bustling capital of Georgia and a vibrant economic hub in the southeastern United States, Atlanta offers an enticing blend of diverse cultures, job opportunities and recreational activities. However, beneath its allure lies a critical aspect that significantly impacts residents and newcomers alike: the cost of living.
From housing and transportation to healthcare and entertainment, understanding the factors that influence the way we live is essential for anyone considering calling Atlanta home or simply exploring this captivating metropolis.
1. Housing costs and utilities in Atlanta
Arguably one of Atlanta‘s best qualities is its range of housing costs without compromising proximity to the city. From charming suburban neighborhoods with affordable homes to trendy urban lofts and condos, Atlanta offers a diverse housing market to suit various budgets and lifestyles.
Center City Atlanta apartments range from studios for around $1,713 to two bedrooms going for $2,555. However, residents can find their perfect home while enjoying the convenience of living close to the city’s vibrant amenities and opportunities in nearby suburbs. We’ll break down three popular suburban neighborhoods surrounding Atlanta and the cost to live in each.
Alpharetta
Alpharetta is a vibrant and affluent city located in Fulton County, Georgia. Situated approximately 25 miles north of downtown Atlanta, Alpharetta’s historic downtown area exudes small-town charm, featuring a blend of boutique shops, restaurants and cultural venues, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere. For single renters, the average studio price is $1,770 while a one-bedroom will run you closer to $2,096.
Decatur
For $940 for a studio to $1,537 for a two-bedroom, there are plenty of options to go around in this cute suburb. Located just six miles east of downtown Atlanta, Decatur is a charming and historic city known for its vibrant community and welcoming, small-town atmosphere. With easy access to public transportation and major highways, Decatur provides an ideal balance of suburban tranquility and proximity to Atlanta.
Sandy Springs
With a commute to Atlanta being under 30 minutes, Sandy Springs ensures convenient access to big-city amenities while maintaining its distinct charm. A one-bedroom apartment in this area runs around $1,712, whereas a two-bedroom is averaging at $2,106. Sandy Springs is home to a diverse array of restaurants, shops and art galleries, making it a fantastic suburban spot near Atlanta.
Utilities in Atlanta
The cost of utilities like electricity, heating, cooling, water and garbage collection can average around $150 to $200 per month. This will vary depending on your area and individual usage rates. The good news is, this is 14% lower than the national average cost of utilities.
2. Food costs and goods and services in Atlanta
The main character of the food scene in Atlanta is Southern cuisine. Traditional Southern dishes, such as fried chicken, collard greens, biscuits and gravy and shrimp and grits are must-try. Southern restaurants and diners are staples throughout the city and showcase the rich culinary heritage of the region. Along with southern food, Atlanta has a lot of farm-to-table restaurants, international cuisine spots and food trucks. You’ll be sure to taste new cuisines and indulge in rich Southern classics for the average price of $18 ($80 for a nicer, three-course meal).
When you’re not eating out, groceries and farmer’s markets are available all around the city. Groceries in Atlanta are 7% lower than the national average, making eating at home a great alternative. To offer more insight, you’ll pay less for certain staples like milk ($3.84 for a gallon), eggs ($4.56 for a dozen), bread ($2.81 for a 24-ounce loaf) and ground beef ($6.64 per pound).
Commodities and entertainment costs
Aside from dining costs, don’t forget to budget for goods and services. While these expenses are flexible and not always necessary, it’s good to know these costs for the occasional treat or fun outing.
Some of these expenses include things like a movie ticket ($20.83), dry cleaning, haircut ($30) and an average monthly gym membership ($10 a month).
3. Transportation costs in Atlanta
Atlanta is famously known for traffic at all times of the day. Between the famous spaghetti junction and the number of commuting drivers, you’re guaranteed some traffic frustration. However, the MARTA transit system and express lane Peach Pass help alleviate congestion. Because of this, transportation expenses are slightly higher than the national average by 3%.
Any person confident in their city-driving skills who decides to use a car to get around can expect to pay to park for around $13. Parking can range from as little as $7 to as much as $30 based on where you’re parking and the length of the spot reservation.
Not interested in paying for parking? The MARTA transit system is a great option for commuters or those looking to get around while avoiding traffic and paying a little less. A one-way trip is $2.50 while a pass will range anywhere from $9 to $90 depending on usage amount.
If you’re okay with paying for parking but are hoping to avoid traffic, the Peach Pass offers a solution through a specified lane for pass holders and lower toll fees. Starting at $20, peach pass holders can use lanes to bypass traffic along interstates that are within some of the most congested corridors in metro Atlanta.
4. Healthcare costs in Atlanta
It’s of utmost importance, especially for more compromised individuals, to understand the healthcare costs in a city they’re vying to live in. Atlanta is home to world-renowned healthcare establishments, making it 7% higher than the national average. We’ve pulled common healthcare appointments (for you and your furry friend) and their average cost in the capital of the peach state.
- Doctor visit: $133.65
- Dental checkup: $115.31
- RX drug cost: $492.45
- Vet visit: $62.31
It’s important to note that these costs look different for everyone. Everybody has different needs and healthcare routines vary. As a result, you should consider these prices in tandem with your medicine regimens, healthcare routines and insurance coverage.
5. Taxes in Atlanta
Taxes aren’t the most exciting topic to cover when it comes time to prepare a budget. The minimum combined 2023 sales tax rate for Atlanta, Georgia is 8.9%. However, neighboring cities, where you may go shopping, can vary.
Unique perks of living in Atlanta
Like any city, they’re are unique perks that make the cost of living worth it to certain individuals. Atlanta is no different, with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Sports
Sports enthusiasts will also enjoy the presence of major league teams like the Atlanta Falcons (NFL), Atlanta Braves (MLB) and Atlanta Hawks (NBA). The costs of these tickets depend on the matchup with average prices ranging from $20 (Braves) to $70 (Falcons).
Educational opportunities
Those interested in furthering their education or living near educational institutions will enjoy the city’s proximity to such locations. Atlanta is home to several renowned universities and colleges, including Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) and Emory University. With easy commuting opportunities and cheaper instate tuition, this creates great personal growth opportunities.
Festivals and events
The city hosts a range of festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating music, arts, culture and more. Music Midtown, hosted in Piedmont Park, is one of the many social opportunities available to Atlanta residents and runs about $400 in total for the 3-day event. Another example is Porch Fest, a local parade that celebrates music, art and food. This is a free event that takes place in the Virginia Highlands suburb of Atlanta.
How much do I need to earn to live in Atlanta?
You would need a job that pays at least $79,280 per year to afford a one-bedroom apartment in Atlanta, which runs around $1,982. That is assuming you follow the general recommendation of allocating 30 percent of your annual income to rent.
For calculating specifics regarding your individual living preferences, use our rent calculator can show you exactly how much you can afford and help you target specific areas within your budget.
Living in Atlanta
The capital of the Peach State is a growing city for a reason, it has so much to offer its residents from southern hospitality to growth opportunities. Of course, choosing to plant roots down in this city depends a lot on budget. Determine what you can afford and make your move to ATL today!
