| Index | Dunwoody | Georgia | National |
| Cost of living | 135 | 96 | 100 |
| Groceries | 102 | 99 | 100 |
| Health care | 99 | 99 | 100 |
| Housing | 218 | 88 | 100 |
| Transportation | 96 | 99 | 100 |
| Utilities | 101 | 102 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 95 | 99 | 100 |

Understanding the cost of living in Dunwoody 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 Dunwoody cost of living index is 135, which is 35% 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.
If you value affordability in your search for a new place to live, Dunwoody may not be the most suitable option, as it stands out as one of the priciest areas in the entire United States. Only a small fraction of regions have a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Dunwoody falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.
Housing costs are a very significant part of the Dunwoody 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 118.3% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.
When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 6 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Dunwoody. The results indicated that 33% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 67% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.
Wondering if Dunwoody is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Dunwoody, for example, the median home price is 145.8% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 54.4% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Dunwoody boasting a median household income of $143,058, which is 75.9% higher than the national average.
Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Dunwoody, the housing index stands at 118.3% higher than the national average.
Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Dunwoody, the utilities index is 1.1% higher than the national average.
Urbanization: Larger, urban centers, known for their wealth of amenities and strong employment prospects, often exhibit an elevated cost of living, primarily attributable to the heightened demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this scenario leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural areas or regions characterized by diminished demand typically provide a more limited array of amenities and experience slower job market growth, resulting in a more affordable cost of living.
The cost of living data for Dunwoody 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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| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $214,455 | $17,871 | $5,004 | $6,434 |
| Renters | $101,702 | $8,475 | $2,373 | $3,051 |
| 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. |
| Stone Mountain, GA | 6,567 | 95 | 4.9% |
| Redan, GA | 35,746 | 96 | 4.3% |
| Fair Oaks, GA | 9,671 | 97 | 3.3% |
| Candler-McAfee, GA | 25,351 | 97 | 3.2% |
| Clarkston, GA | 13,147 | 97 | 3.3% |
| Dunwoody, GA | 51,076 | 135 | 34.9% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Twin Falls, ID | 51,144 | 99 | 1.2% |
| Texas City, TX | 50,965 | 93 | 6.8% |
| Mishawaka, IN | 51,230 | 87 | 12.5% |
| North Bethesda, MD | 51,238 | 162 | 62.1% |
| Haldimand County, ON | 50,912 | n/a | |
| Dunwoody, GA | 51,076 | 135 | 34.9% |