A+
3%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
8%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Clarkston Georgia National
Cost of living9796100
Groceries10299100
Health care9999100
Housing9288100
Transportation9699100
Utilities102102100
Lifestyle & Entertainment98100100
Household Items99100100
Education & Childcare9599100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Clarkston, GA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Clarkston is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Clarkston is 97, which is 3% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Clarkston are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Clarkston can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Clarkston Affordable?

Is Clarkston an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Clarkston is 14.7% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 6.7% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Clarkston has a median household income of $59,653, which is 26.7% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Clarkston?

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Clarkston, the groceries index is 2% higher than the national average.

Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In Clarkston, the utilities index registers 1.7% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Clarkston are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Clarkston is 1% higher than the Georgia average
  • The cost of living in Clarkston is 3% lower than the national average
  • Clarkston housing is 8% lower 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 Clarkston

See all the best places to live around Clarkston

Compare Clarkston, GA Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$130,129$10,844$3,036$3,904
      Renters$58,801$4,900$1,372$1,764
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Clarkston, GA, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Clarkston have a median income of $130,129. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $3,036 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $58,801, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,372.

      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%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lakeview Estates, GA2,6277920.8%
      Forest Park, GA20,3128713.5%
      Conley, GA6,8678812.1%
      Lake City, GA2,897919.2%
      Lithonia, GA2,552918.9%
      Clarkston, GA13,147973.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Martinsville, VA13,1468812.4%
      St. Ann, MO13,1438614.1%
      Key Biscayne, FL13,140269169.5%
      Fort Bliss, TX13,15711514.7%
      Greenville, OH13,1358514.6%
      Clarkston, GA13,147973.3%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.