Thinking of moving to Atlanta? We’ve got tips that will help guide you through your decision, from the cost of living and rent prices to nightlife and things to do.
Living in Atlanta: Costs
Housing will generally constitute the largest percentage of your living costs. Currently, you can expect to pay around $1,768 for a one bedroom. It’s important to mention that these are median prices, meaning that half of all available inventory will fall below this level. Rents also vary widely depending on which specific neighborhood you’re searching in, so don’t worry if these numbers sound high.
Food and utilities
According to Numbeo, an Atlanta resident can expect to pay $200 per month for utilities (including electricity, heating, and water). For internet, expect to pay an average of $78 per month.
Food prices in the city are slightly higher than the national average. Expect to pay $15 per person for a casual meal, and upwards of $65 for a nicer meal for two.
Taxes
In Atlanta, you’ll pay 8.5% in sales taxes; city, state, and county combined.
Moving to Atlanta
Moving to Atlanta doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Before starting your search, make sure you’ve thought through the following:
1. Must-haves, and what you’d be willing to compromise on. You may need to give up certain amenities to live in your favorite neighborhood, or otherwise look for a smaller layout or a different apartment type.
2. Your search horizon. The ideal time to start searching is between 1-2 months before your planned move-in date. However, don’t be stressed if you only have a couple weeks to go; a surprising amount of rental inventory is usually available for immediate move-in.
3. Your favorite neighborhoods. We’ve put together a curated list below of some of the more popular areas to get you started on where to live – whether you’re moving by yourself or with a family, looking for a residential area or one in the middle of the action.
4. Documents you’ll need when applying for an apartment. These will vary depending on the landlord, but most require verification of employment and income, your credit report, and references from previous landlords.
5. Whether you’d like to live alone or with roommates. Roommates can mean considerable cost savings, upwards of 50-60% depending on the amount of people.
Neighborhoods
Atlanta boasts a variety of diverse neighborhoods, each with something to offer residents. Here are some great options for renters:
Walkable, residential neighborhood with an array of new high rises and loft apartments for rent. Not as much shopping in this part of the city, but plenty of dining options and nightlife. One of the main draws of this neighborhood is stunning Piedmont Park which offers everything from food trucks to exercise classes to music and arts festivals.
A coveted and affluent area in Atlanta, often compared to Beverley Hills in Los Angeles. This district offers chic and upscale shopping, dining and nightlife.
Historic neighborhood where Martin Luther King Jr. grew up, where warehouses have been converted to restaurants and apartments. This hood is home to several classic Atlanta parks and gardens like Grant Park, Freedom Parkway and Fourth Ward Park.
Hipster vibes in this hidden gem of Atlanta. The place to be if you’re one for funky restaurants, commissioned graffiti and people watching.
A great place to hang out and people watch with lots of restaurants and shops. The central park and the Regal Movie Theatre are highlights of this hood.
Affordable and infused with both trees and spirit, this neighborhood is a hidden gem tucked away in the city. A peaceful neighborhood requiring only a short walk to the center of Buckhead and the action.
Tree-lined streets and newly constructed homes and rental apartments. This hood is home to Herbert Taylor Park and the Morningside Nature Preserve.
This district is on the National Register of Historic Places – the railway that runs through this hood is old as the city itself. A historically infused, diverse and creative community, Castleberry Hill is similar to Old Fourth with its collection of warehouses converted to rental apartments.
How to find an apartment in Atlanta
- Identify how much you can spend on rent. Use our rent calculator to determine the amount you can, or should, pay based on your income and other expenses.
2. Explore potential neighborhoods. If you’re local, walk around in neighborhoods you’re interested in to get a feel for the atmosphere and character. If you’re not nearby, do your research to see which areas fit your ideal lifestyle.
3. Add filters for your desired amenities and lease allowances. Are you renting with pets? Make sure to search for pet-friendly apartments in Atlanta. Are you considering a second bedroom? Is in-unit laundry a dealbreaker? Make sure to select that as an amenity when you look through available apartments.
Getting around Atlanta
Public transportation
Atlanta’s public transit system, MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority), operates a network of bus routes linked to a light rail system. MARTA’s rail system provides a solid amount of coverage, however, buses may be required in certain areas (like Emory and Cumberland). Prices range from $2.50 for a single ride to $95 for a monthly pass.
Driving in Atlanta
Do you actually need to own a car in Atlanta? The answer is: it depends. For some residential neighborhoods, having a car is a necessity, while in others walking or taking public transport is perfectly doable. Ultimately, you should first need to evaluate each neighborhood—if it’s spread out, better think about getting a car.
Ridesharing in Atlanta
If you’re looking to move without a car, but still want the convenience of a vehicle, ride-sharing and car-sharing are great options. The two main players in the ride-sharing space in Atlanta are Uber and Lyft, while car-sharing options include Zipcar, Maven, and Enterprise Car Share. Prices for these services vary depending on distance and duration, but can potentially be more affordable than car ownership. It’s important to calculate your expected usage to compare costs for each option.
Moving companies in Atlanta
When you’re ready to make your move, you’ll probably want to hire movers to help you transport your things from your old place to your new digs. Here are a few options we recommend:
Thumbtack
Move Buddha
Movers on Yelp
Atlanta Peach Movers
Things to do in Atlanta
When you’re all settled, it’s time to get out and explore. We’ve compiled a list of resources to help you find things to do in Atlanta.
Atlanta – Things To Do
The Atlanta Bucket List: All The Things You Need To Do Before You Die
50 Best Things To Do In Atlanta
Atlanta Braves Schedule
Atlanta Falcons Schedule
Atlanta Hawks Schedule
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