C+
16%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
58%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Atlanta Georgia National
Cost of living11693100
Goods & Services10097100
Groceries10198100
Health care109100100
Housing15886100
Transportation9994100
Utilities8186100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Atlanta, GA

Understanding the cost of living in Atlanta can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Atlanta cost of living index is 116, which is 16% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Atlanta 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 57.9% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Atlanta?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 61 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Atlanta. The feedback revealed that 38% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 62% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Atlanta Affordable?

Is Atlanta 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 Atlanta, the median home price is 70.2% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 29.3% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Atlanta boasting a median household income of $64,179, 16% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Atlanta?

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Atlanta, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 4%, and income tax rates start at 1%.

Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Atlanta, the housing index comes in at 57.9% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Atlanta cost of living data you see above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, providing a practical and accurate means of comparing living expenses in urban areas. Updated quarterly, this index gathers data from over 300 independent researchers, covering more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. These selections are made meticulously to represent a wide range of consumer expenditure categories. The weightings applied to cost differences are based on government survey data that tracks spending patterns among professional and executive households. It's important to note that while the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes factors tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Atlanta is 25% higher than the Georgia average
  • The cost of living in Atlanta is 16% higher than the national average
  • Atlanta housing is 58% higher than the national average
  • Georgia general sales tax is 22% lower than the national average
  • Georgia state income tax is 61% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Atlanta

See all the best places to live around Atlanta

Compare Atlanta, GA Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$102,984$8,582$2,403$3,090
      Renters$42,359$3,530$988$1,271
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Atlanta, GA, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Atlanta, the median monthly income is $102,984 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,403 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $42,359, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $988 on monthly rental expenses.

      Georgia Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Georgia 4% 8%

      Georgia Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Georgia 1% 5.57%

      Goods & Services

      Item Atlanta National avg. Difference
      Haircut $27.25$24.2612.3%
      Beauty Salon $56.36$45.5623.7%
      Toothpaste $3.74$3.700.9%
      Shampoo $1.33$1.283.9%
      Movie $15.20$12.1325.3%
      Bowling $20.98$18.0016.5%

      Groceries

      Item Atlanta National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.25$5.8410.1%
      Fried Chicken $1.61$1.572.1%
      Milk $4.69$4.670.4%
      Potatoes $5.32$4.937.9%
      Pizza $11.36$12.096.0%
      Beer $10.39$10.410.2%

      Health Care

      Item Atlanta National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $129.73$125.683.2%
      Doctor $128.57$135.785.3%
      Dentist $144.73$113.2927.8%
      Ibuprofen $10.74$10.650.8%
      Lipitor $495.22$468.605.7%

      Housing

      Item Atlanta National avg. Difference
      Home Price $314,400.00$184,700.0070.2%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,292.55$2,346.692.3%
      Apartment Rent $1,227.00$949.0029.3%

      Transportation

      Item Atlanta National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.20$3.467.5%
      Tire Balancing $69.77$59.9216.4%

      Utilities

      Item Atlanta National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $134.81$193.9930.5%
      Phone $191.28$192.250.5%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Forest Park, GA19,8848514.6%
      Conley, GA6,6458713.3%
      Lake City, GA2,7949010.3%
      Riverdale, GA15,455909.6%
      Morrow, GA7,061918.8%
      Atlanta, GA497,64211615.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Sacramento, CA503,48213231.8%
      Kansas City, MO491,158946.2%
      Mesa, AZ508,91811615.8%
      Omaha, NE479,529964.3%
      Colorado Springs, CO471,68611919.3%
      Atlanta, GA497,64211615.8%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.