If you’re considering moving to Atlanta, the overall cost of living in the city should be at the front of your mind. To help you out, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on what you can expect to pay as a local resident. Check out the basics of living in this city before moving to Atlanta.
Rental costs in Atlanta
Atlanta rounds out the top 25 priciest cities in the U.S. for rentals, with a median one-bedroom price of $1,750 and a median two-bedroom price of $2,280. Don’t worry if these numbers sound high; we’re quoting median values across the city, meaning that half of all available rentals cost less. You can also find relative bargains in trendy Atlanta neighborhoods like Cabbagetown, North Buckhead, and Midtown.
Though rent prices overall may seem expensive, don’t let these stats deter you. When you compare the cost of living in Atlanta to cities like Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles, it seems fairly reasonable. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York, for example, is $3,980; that’s over $2,000 more than in Atlanta. One-bedrooms in Los Angeles have a median rent of $2,400, still well over the price of one in Atlanta. Chicago might come the closest to the cost of living in Atlanta, with one-bedrooms renting for $2,000.
If you think the rent will be tight, roommates are always a great budget-friendly option. Depending on the number of roommates you have, you’ll likely save 50% to 60% on these rates.
Utilities
Utilities, which include gas, electricity, and garbage, for a 915-square-foot apartment in Atlanta will cost around $187 on average. Also expect to pay between $50 and $100 per month for internet, depending on the speed. Remember, if you’re living with roommates, you’ll pay half or even less.
Food
Atlanta’s food prices are similar to the national average, despite rent prices actually being affordable in the city. Expect to pay $15 per person for a casual meal, and upward of $67.50 for a nicer meal for two, before you even consider drinks. If you prefer eating in, you can expect slightly lower grocery prices than in other cities. You’ll pay around $12 for a pound of beef, $2.08 for a dozen eggs, and $2.60 for a loaf of white bread.
Transportation
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) operates Atlanta’s network of bus routes linked to a light rail system. MARTA’s rail system provides solid coverage, but you may need to rely on buses in certain areas like Emory and Cumberland. Prices range from $2.50 for a single ride to $95 for a monthly pass. Grab a Breeze Card if you’re planning on using the light rail or bus system regularly; it’ll save you the hassle of getting a Breeze ticket every time you ride. You can also ride the Atlanta Streetcar, which connects Downtown and Sweet Auburn, for just $1.
Having a car in Atlanta is another option, but make sure you need it because traffic in this city is notorious. For some residential neighborhoods, having a car is a necessity, while walking or taking MARTA is perfectly doable in others. Decide where you’re going to live — if work and entertainment seem difficult to reach by public transportation, you might want to think about getting a car. Expect to pay around $4.40 for every gallon of gas.
Health care
Atlanta has an excellent health care system, with local hospitals including Emory University Hospital and Northside Hospital Atlanta receiving national rankings. The city also has no shortage of specialists for complex medical care. However, you’ll pay around 6% more than the national average for your treatments. Expect to pay around $125 for a doctor’s visit and $107 for a trip to the dentist. The average vet’s visit costs around $60.
Fitness and entertainment
Atlanta has no shortage of fitness and entertainment options, but if you want to use them, you’ll have to factor them into your budget. Monthly membership at a fitness club costs an average of $38.75. Atlanta isn’t called the City of Trees for no reason, though. Jogging, rollerblading, and walking around green spaces like Piedmont Park, Brookhaven Park, and Lullwater Park can also get your heart rate up, and it won’t cost you a cent.
If you’d rather take it easy, a ticket to the latest blockbuster costs around $15. You can also get a domestic beer at bars like Northside Tavern, Eddie’s Attic, and Smith’s Olde Bar for $3.25 if you drink domestic or $3.61 for imports.
Other expenses
All purchases subject to Georgia’s 4% state tax, except motor vehicles, incur sales and use tax in Atlanta. The total sales and use tax is 8%, so it can make a significant impact on your budget.
Frequently asked questions about the cost of living in Atlanta
A 2021 study from GOBankingRates recommends an annual salary of $121,170 per year to live happily in Atlanta. However, if you’re a frugal person, you can probably get by on a lot less. After all, the average salary in Atlanta is $72,000 per year, so people typically make their budgets work with less disposable income. For emotional well-being, GOBankingRates suggests striving for an annual salary of between $69,240 and $86,550 per year.
Wallethub ranked Atlanta among its top 30 U.S. cities for jobs in 2022. No doubt its promising tech startup scene helped its rating, with Atlanta Tech Village a major hub for these up-and-coming companies. Atlanta is also home to several Fortune 500 companies like Delta Air Lines, Coca-Cola, Home Depot, and UPS. You’ll also find leading educational institutions, including Emory University, Morehouse College, and Georgia State University, in Atlanta.
Overall the cost of living in Atlanta is higher than the cost of living in Savannah. The cost of living in Atlanta is approximately 7.5% higher than Savannah. However, employers in Atlanta typically pay 5.3% more than Savannah employers.
Now that you’ve learned more about the costs associated with living in Atlanta, be sure to read our moving to Atlanta guide for tips on everything from neighborhoods to transportation. Then, check out all of our apartments for rent and get ready to make this southern city yours.
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