| Index | Alpharetta | Georgia | National |
| Cost of living | 135 | 96 | 100 |
| Groceries | 98 | 99 | 100 |
| Health care | 98 | 99 | 100 |
| Housing | 220 | 88 | 100 |
| Transportation | 101 | 99 | 100 |
| Utilities | 100 | 102 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 102 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 101 | 100 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 95 | 99 | 100 |
The cost of living in Alpharetta affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Alpharetta is 135, which is 35% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.
The cost of living in Alpharetta is among the highest in the country, making it a very expensive place to live. Only a small fraction of regions boast a cost of living that is at least 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Alpharetta falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.
Housing costs are a very significant part of the Alpharetta cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 119.9% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.
Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 17 residents in Alpharetta to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 29% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 71% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.
Is Alpharetta affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Alpharetta, the median home price is 148% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 54.1% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Alpharetta boasting a median household income of $176,078, 116.5% higher than the national average.
Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Alpharetta, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 4%, and income tax rates kick off at 1%.
Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Alpharetta, the transportation index is 1% higher than the national average.
Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Alpharetta, the utilities index stands at 0.4% higher than the national average.
The cost of living data for Alpharetta shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.
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| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $241,686 | $20,141 | $5,639 | $7,251 |
| Renters | $109,250 | $9,104 | $2,549 | $3,278 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Georgia | 4% | 8% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Georgia | 1% | 5.57% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Lilburn, GA | 13,254 | 103 | 3.2% |
| Cumming, GA | 6,747 | 107 | 6.7% |
| Doraville, GA | 10,449 | 109 | 8.6% |
| Norcross, GA | 17,351 | 108 | 8.2% |
| Canton, GA | 30,425 | 109 | 9.0% |
| Alpharetta, GA | 69,031 | 135 | 35.5% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| South San Francisco, CA | 68,998 | 207 | 107.1% |
| Portland, ME | 68,956 | 119 | 19.1% |
| Mount Vernon, NY | 69,130 | 133 | 33.3% |
| Johnson City, TN | 69,135 | 95 | 5.0% |
| Rocklin, CA | 69,145 | 156 | 55.7% |
| Alpharetta, GA | 69,031 | 135 | 35.5% |
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