F
35%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
118%
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 Dunwoody Georgia National
Cost of living13596100
Groceries10299100
Health care9999100
Housing21888100
Transportation9699100
Utilities101102100
Lifestyle & Entertainment100100100
Household Items100100100
Education & Childcare9599100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Dunwoody, GA

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.

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

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.

Is Dunwoody Affordable?

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.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Dunwoody?

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.

Where is the Data From?

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.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Dunwoody is 41% higher than the Georgia average
  • The cost of living in Dunwoody is 35% higher than the national average
  • Dunwoody housing is 118% 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 Dunwoody

See all the best places to live around Dunwoody

Compare Dunwoody, 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$214,455$17,871$5,004$6,434
      Renters$101,702$8,475$2,373$3,051
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Dunwoody, 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 Dunwoody, the median monthly income is $214,455 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $5,004 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $101,702, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $2,373 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%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Stone Mountain, GA6,567954.9%
      Redan, GA35,746964.3%
      Fair Oaks, GA9,671973.3%
      Candler-McAfee, GA25,351973.2%
      Clarkston, GA13,147973.3%
      Dunwoody, GA51,07613534.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Twin Falls, ID51,144991.2%
      Texas City, TX50,965936.8%
      Mishawaka, IN51,2308712.5%
      North Bethesda, MD51,23816262.1%
      Haldimand County, ON50,912n/a 
      Dunwoody, GA51,07613534.9%
      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.