What Is the Cost of Living in Atlanta, Georgia?

The cost of living covers essential expenditures like housing, food, and transportation. Understanding these expenses is important for anyone considering a move or managing finances in a new location. This article provides an overview of typical costs for individuals and families residing in Atlanta, Georgia, detailing various expense categories.

Housing Expenses

Housing is often the largest living expense. In Atlanta, rental prices vary by residence type and location. As of August 2025, the average apartment rent is about $1,627 per month.

Studio apartments average $1,539, one-bedroom units $1,627, two-bedroom apartments $1,927, and three-bedroom rentals can exceed $2,230. Neighborhoods like Midtown and Old Fourth Ward often have higher rents.

Securing a rental property involves additional upfront costs. A security deposit, usually one month’s rent, covers potential damages or unpaid rent. Application fees range from $30 to $200 per adult, often $60-$75. These non-refundable fees cover background and credit checks.

For homeownership, the median home price in Atlanta is $400,000 to $450,458, varying by neighborhood and market. Property taxes are a significant ongoing expense. They are calculated based on 40% of the home’s fair market value, with millage rates applied by the city, public schools, and county. The median property tax rate is about 0.91%, or $1,448 annually, though some Fulton County homeowners pay an average of $3,847.

Homeowners insurance provides financial protection against perils like fire, wind damage, and theft. Average homeowners insurance costs $1,831 to $2,620 per year, depending on home value, coverage, and ZIP code. Many residential developments, especially condos and townhomes, include Homeowners Association (HOA) fees. These fees cover common area maintenance, amenities, and sometimes utilities. Monthly HOA fees average $117, but can range from $200-$300 for single-family homes and $300-$400 for condos.

Food and Household Utilities

Food expenses include groceries and dining out. A single person spends $312.95 to $400 monthly on groceries. Household grocery bills depend on occupants and dietary habits. Groceries in Atlanta are about 1% pricier than national averages. A loaf of bread costs about $4.13, milk $4.69-$4.70 per gallon, and a dozen eggs $4.09-$4.35.

Atlanta offers diverse dining options, from casual to upscale. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs about $15.00. A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant ranges from $50.00 to $100. A fast-food combo meal is around $7.00.

Household utilities include electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile phone services. A single person’s average monthly utility bill (electricity, gas, water) can exceed $200. For a household, natural gas utilities may total $362 monthly, while all-electric homes average $262. Electricity bills average $132 per month, water $70, natural gas $100, and internet $60. Some utilities, like trash and recycling, may be bundled into water bills or property taxes.

Transportation Costs

Transportation expenses in Atlanta include public transit and private vehicle costs. MARTA provides public transportation via trains and buses. A single MARTA fare costs $2.50. A daily pass is $9.00, and a 30-day monthly pass is $95.00. Fares are purchased using a $2 Breeze card, reloadable for up to three years.

Private vehicle ownership is common and has recurring costs. Average gasoline costs around $3.30 per gallon. Car insurance premiums vary by driver’s age, vehicle type, driving history, and ZIP code. Full coverage annual costs range from $2,748 to $4,082. Minimum liability averages $107 to $164 monthly.

Vehicle maintenance costs vary by age, make, and model. Parking fees, especially downtown or for events, add to expenses. Daily university parking can range from $4.00 to $10.00, while Georgia Aquarium parking costs $25.

Healthcare and Personal Expenses

Healthcare costs vary by individual needs and insurance coverage. Atlanta healthcare services are about 8% more expensive than the national average. Without insurance, a doctor’s visit costs $100 to $200. Average monthly individual health insurance premiums are $450 to $700, depending on coverage. Prescription drug costs average $22.17 per prescription.

Personal care and entertainment are significant discretionary expenses. A basic haircut costs about $28.03. Gym memberships are a common personal care expense, with varying costs. A movie ticket costs about $15.26. Entertainment expenses are about 2% cheaper than the U.S. average.

Miscellaneous expenses cover various spending categories. These include dry cleaning, averaging $14.29. Clothing costs are about 2% less than the national average. Incidentals and subscriptions, like streaming services or apps, also contribute. These expenses are highly variable, depending on lifestyle and spending habits.