| Index | Duluth | Georgia | National |
| Cost of living | 113 | 96 | 100 |
| Groceries | 101 | 99 | 100 |
| Health care | 98 | 99 | 100 |
| Housing | 142 | 88 | 100 |
| Transportation | 101 | 99 | 100 |
| Utilities | 103 | 102 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 102 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 101 | 100 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 101 | 99 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in Duluth 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 Duluth cost of living index is 113, which is 13% 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.
When it comes to the cost of living in Duluth, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 42.2% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.
The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 5 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Duluth. The feedback revealed that 80% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 20% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.
Is Duluth affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Duluth, for instance, where the median home price falls 39.2% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 49.2% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Duluth flaunting a median household income of $108,762, 33.7% higher than the national norm.
Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Duluth, the housing index is 42.2% higher than the national average.
Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In Duluth, the transportation index is 1.4% higher than the national average.
Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Duluth, the utilities index registers at 3.2% higher than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Duluth 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 index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $136,725 | $11,394 | $3,190 | $4,102 |
| Renters | $93,006 | $7,751 | $2,170 | $2,790 |
| 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. |
| Rest Haven, GA | 44 | 87 | 12.6% |
| Stone Mountain, GA | 6,567 | 95 | 4.9% |
| Clarkston, GA | 13,147 | 97 | 3.3% |
| Lawrenceville, GA | 31,316 | 100 | 0.3% |
| Pine Lake, GA | 853 | 101 | 1.4% |
| Duluth, GA | 30,718 | 113 | 13.4% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Carney, MD | 30,710 | 118 | 18.3% |
| Rahway, NJ | 30,734 | 120 | 20.1% |
| Morristown, TN | 30,738 | 89 | 11.2% |
| Sainte-Julie, QC | 30,753 | n/a | |
| Oceanside, NY | 30,680 | 151 | 51.1% |
| Duluth, GA | 30,718 | 113 | 13.4% |
Here are the best places to live in Georgia
Most Dangerous States In The US
See the best places to live in Duluth
These are the largest cities in Georgia