How Much Does It Cost to Live in Atlanta?

Understanding the cost of living in a major metropolitan area like Atlanta requires a comprehensive look at typical expenses. This analysis covers significant outlays such as housing, daily needs, essential services, taxes, and healthcare. Navigating these financial components provides clarity for individuals considering Atlanta as a place to reside.

Housing Costs in Atlanta

Housing represents a substantial portion of living expenses, with costs varying considerably across Atlanta’s diverse neighborhoods. The median rent for an apartment in Atlanta is around $1,750 as of August 2025. For specific unit sizes, a studio apartment’s average rent ranges from $1,500 to $1,703 per month, one-bedroom apartments generally cost between $1,630 and $1,939 monthly, and larger two-bedroom units range from approximately $1,929 to $2,463 per month. Houses for rent in Atlanta average around $2,400 per month.

The purchase market for homes also presents a broad spectrum of prices. The median home price in Atlanta was approximately $416,800 as of May 2025, with some reports indicating the median sales price for a single-family home in metro Atlanta reached $440,000 in February 2024. Regional median sale prices for 2024 topped $400,000. As of June 2025, the average home value in Atlanta was $402,035.

These housing costs are not uniform across the city, with significant price disparities tied to location. Established and desirable neighborhoods like Midtown, Downtown, and Buckhead typically feature higher rental and purchase prices. For instance, in June 2025, Morningside – Lenox Park had a median listing home price of $1.3 million, making it one of the most expensive areas.

Conversely, more affordable housing options can be found in suburban areas or neighborhoods further from the city center, such as College Park or East Point. Collier Heights, for example, had a median listing home price of $269,000 in June 2025, making it a more accessible choice. Exploring areas south of the city or on the far east, west, or north sides of the wider metro Atlanta region often provides more housing options below $500,000.

Everyday Living Expenses

Beyond housing, daily necessities contribute significantly to the overall cost of living in Atlanta. Utility expenses average around $150 per month as of October 2024. Notably, utility costs in Atlanta are about 14% lower than the national average. The average monthly energy bill can range from approximately $149.28 in September 2024 to $205.41 in 2025, with seasonal fluctuations impacting usage, particularly during hotter months due to air conditioning. Internet services typically add $60 to $100 to monthly expenses, and phone service costs average around $191 to $194.22 per month.

Grocery costs in Atlanta are about 1% higher than the national average. A typical household might spend between $300 and $500 per month on groceries. For an individual, the average monthly grocery bill is approximately $312.95. Specific staple items reflect these price points; as of September 2024, a loaf of bread costs around $4.13, a gallon of milk is about $4.70, and a dozen eggs can range from $3.38 to $4.35.

Transportation expenses are another substantial component. Gas prices in Atlanta have fluctuated, with averages around $2.97 per gallon in October 2024 and $3.43 in May 2024. Car insurance premiums in Georgia are higher than the national average; full coverage averages range from $1,231 to $3,310 annually. Atlanta typically sees some of the highest car insurance rates within the state, with full coverage averaging around $1,282 per year as of June 2024. Public transportation, such as MARTA, offers an alternative for commuting.

Healthcare and Tax Burdens

Healthcare costs in Atlanta are reported to be between 8.2% and 10.2% higher than the national average. For individuals, monthly health insurance premiums typically range from $400 to $600. Common out-of-pocket medical costs include an average of $126.57 for a doctor’s visit, $144.75 for a dentist appointment, and $129.73 for an optometrist visit, based on data from March 2024. These costs underscore the importance of securing adequate health coverage to manage potential medical expenditures.

The tax structure in Georgia includes state income tax, sales tax, and property tax. Georgia transitioned to a flat state income tax rate of 5.39% for 2024. This rate is projected to gradually decrease to 4.99% by 2029. Income tax obligations apply to residents who meet certain filing thresholds, such as having taxable income above the standard deduction amount, which is $12,000 for single filers in 2024.

Sales tax in Atlanta comprises a state rate and local components. The Georgia state sales tax rate is 4%, and the specific sales tax rate in Atlanta is 8.9%. This tax applies to most goods and some services purchased within the city, although certain items like groceries and prescription drugs are typically exempt.

Property taxes for homeowners in Atlanta are determined by the assessed value of the property and various millage rates. In Georgia, property is assessed at 40% of its fair market value. The total property tax bill is calculated by multiplying this assessed value by the combined millage rates of the city, county, and school district. These millage rates include those for the City of Atlanta, Atlanta Public Schools, and the relevant county (Fulton or DeKalb). While Georgia’s median real estate tax payment of $2,048 per year is lower than the national average, property taxes can vary significantly, with Fulton County’s median payment being $3,631.