Is Atlanta Expensive? A Clear Guide to the Cost of Living in Atlanta, GA

Whether you already live in Atlanta, are planning a move, or are just visiting, it’s natural to ask: “Is Atlanta expensive?”

The honest answer: Atlanta is moderately expensive and getting pricier, but it’s still often more affordable than many major U.S. cities—especially coastal hubs like New York, San Francisco, or Washington, D.C.

How expensive it feels depends heavily on:

• Where in the metro area you live
• Whether you rent or own
• How much you drive vs. use MARTA
• Your lifestyle (restaurants, entertainment, private schools, etc.)

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused breakdown to help you understand what to expect and how to manage costs.

How Atlanta’s Overall Cost of Living Compares

In broad terms, Atlanta’s cost of living is close to the national average, sometimes slightly above it, with housing and transportation doing most of the heavy lifting.

Compared to many other large cities, Atlanta often offers:

• Lower housing costs than cities like New York, Boston, or San Francisco
• Similar or slightly higher costs than many smaller Southern or Midwestern cities
• Moderate everyday expenses (groceries, utilities, basic services)

If you’re coming from a smaller town in Georgia, Atlanta will probably feel more expensive. If you’re arriving from a high-cost coastal city, Atlanta may feel surprisingly manageable, especially in the suburbs.

Housing Costs in Atlanta

Housing is usually the biggest factor in whether Atlanta feels expensive. Prices vary widely between neighborhoods and between the City of Atlanta and the broader metro area.

Renting in Atlanta

In-town neighborhoods with strong amenities, walkability, or access to MARTA—such as Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, and West Midtown—often come with higher rents.

More budget-friendly areas are often:

• Farther from the city center (e.g., Southwest Atlanta, parts of the Westside)
• In surrounding cities like College Park, East Point, Decatur (outside certain intown pockets), Doraville, or Forest Park

Factors that raise rent in Atlanta:

• Proximity to major job centers (Downtown, Midtown, Perimeter Center)
• Access to MARTA rail or major highways (I‑75, I‑85, I‑285, GA‑400)
• Newer construction, luxury amenities, or parking garages

If you’re flexible about your commute and don’t need the trendiest neighborhood, you can still find relatively affordable rentals within the metro area.

Owning a Home in Atlanta

Buying in Atlanta depends heavily on:

• Neighborhood (e.g., Buckhead vs. East Point)
• School district
• Proximity to MARTA, BeltLine, or major highways

In general:

• Intown single-family homes near the Atlanta BeltLine or in historic neighborhoods (Grant Park, Kirkwood, Cabbagetown, Reynoldstown) have seen significant price increases.
• Some areas of South Atlanta, West Atlanta, and outer suburbs still offer more affordable home prices, but commuting time and transportation costs may go up.

If you’re considering buying in the City of Atlanta, you’ll also need to factor in property taxes, which can vary by county and school district (Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, etc.).

Transportation Costs: Driving vs. MARTA

Metro Atlanta is spread out and car-dependent, which can make transportation a major expense.

The Cost of Driving in Atlanta

For most Atlanta residents, a car is still the primary way to get around. You’ll want to consider:

• Car payments and insurance (insurance can be higher in dense or high-traffic areas)
• Gas, especially if you commute from the suburbs into the city
• Parking, particularly around Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead
• Maintenance and tolls, including routes like the I‑75/I‑85 and I‑285 corridors

Long daily commutes from outer suburbs (e.g., Kennesaw, McDonough, Lawrenceville) into the city can significantly increase gas and time costs.

Using MARTA and Other Transit

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) offers rail and bus service across parts of the city and nearby areas.

MARTA can be cost-effective if you:

• Live near a rail station (e.g., Lindbergh Center, Five Points, North Springs, College Park)
• Work or go to school in Downtown, Midtown, or near major stations
• Want to avoid parking fees for events or at the airport

Common MARTA uses:

• Commuting to Downtown or Midtown
• Getting to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Attending major events without paying for parking

However, MARTA coverage doesn’t reach all suburbs, so many residents still need a car even if they occasionally use transit.

If you rely mostly on MARTA and limit car use, you can noticeably reduce your monthly expenses.

Food and Groceries in Atlanta

Day-to-day food costs in Atlanta are generally close to national averages, but your habits matter.

Groceries

You’ll find a full range of options, including:

• Larger chains (e.g., Kroger, Publix, Aldi, Walmart)
• International markets along Buford Highway (for diverse and often reasonably priced ingredients)
• Specialty and higher-end stores (e.g., stores in Buckhead, Midtown, and certain intown neighborhoods)

Shopping at discount or warehouse-style stores, using store brands, and exploring farmers markets (like DeKalb Farmers Market in Decatur) can help keep food costs manageable.

Dining Out

Atlanta’s restaurant scene is vibrant and diverse, from casual spots to high-end dining.

You’ll typically find:

• Budget-friendly: Food trucks, local diners, cafes, and casual spots across the city
• Mid-range: Popular neighborhood restaurants in places like Inman Park, East Atlanta Village, Edgewood, and West Midtown
• Upscale: Fine dining in Buckhead, Midtown, and high-end hotel districts

Eating out regularly at popular in-town restaurants and bars can make Atlanta feel more expensive. Cooking at home most of the week and saving restaurants for special occasions or lunch specials can balance your budget.

Utilities and Internet

Utility costs in Atlanta are generally moderate, but the hot, humid summers can push up electric bills due to air conditioning.

Common recurring costs:

• Electricity (especially in summer)
• Water and sewer (City of Atlanta residents often pay through the city)
• Natural gas (for heating, cooking, or water heating in some homes)
• Internet and cable/streaming services

Energy-efficient apartments or homes, good insulation, and being mindful of thermostat settings can reduce monthly utility bills.

Healthcare and Insurance

Healthcare costs in Atlanta are similar to many other major U.S. cities. The city is home to major medical systems such as:

• Emory Healthcare
• Grady Health System
• Piedmont Healthcare
• Wellstar (in the broader metro area)

Your actual costs will depend on:

• Your health insurance plan (employer-sponsored, marketplace, Medicare, etc.)
• Whether you use in-network providers
• Co-pays, deductibles, and prescriptions

If you’re new to Atlanta, it can help to choose a primary care provider near your home or workplace to limit travel time and transportation costs.

Childcare and Education Costs

For families, childcare and education are major budget considerations and a big reason some people view Atlanta as expensive.

Childcare

Full-time childcare in the Atlanta area can be a significant monthly expense, especially for infants and toddlers. Options include:

• Daycare centers within the City of Atlanta and nearby suburbs
• In-home providers
• Nannies or shared nanny arrangements

Costs are generally higher in more affluent intown neighborhoods and lower in some farther-out suburbs, though quality and availability can vary.

Public vs. Private Schools

Atlanta has a mix of:

• Public school systems, including Atlanta Public Schools (APS) and districts in Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, and Clayton counties
• Charter and magnet programs in certain areas
• Private schools, which can carry substantial tuition

Some families choose to live in specific neighborhoods for access to particular public schools, which can drive up housing prices in those zones. Private school tuition can significantly increase the overall cost of living if that’s part of your plan.

Entertainment, Culture, and Lifestyle

Atlanta offers a wide range of free and low-cost activities alongside pricier options.

You’ll find:

• Free or low-cost:
  • Public parks (e.g., Piedmont Park, Grant Park, Westside Park)
  • The Atlanta BeltLine trails and connecting green spaces
  • Many neighborhood festivals and outdoor events
• Moderate to higher cost:
  • Attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Zoo Atlanta
  • Sporting events (Falcons, Hawks, Braves, Atlanta United)
  • Concerts, theater, and nightlife in Midtown, Buckhead, and Edgewood

If you lean heavily on free parks, outdoor activities, and neighborhood events, Atlanta can feel very affordable for entertainment. Regular tickets to major attractions, premium seats at games, and upscale nightlife will raise your monthly spending.

Taxes and Fees in Atlanta

Your cost of living is also shaped by taxes and local fees.

Key points:

• Sales tax: The combined rate in the City of Atlanta (state, county, and local) is higher than in some smaller Georgia towns, which affects everyday purchases.
• Property taxes: Vary by county (Fulton, DeKalb, etc.) and by specific city or school district. If you own property, this can be a major line item.
• Hotel and rental car taxes: Visitors may notice higher taxes on hotels and rental cars, especially near Downtown, Midtown, and the airport, which can make trips more expensive than they first appear.

If you’re a homeowner or planning to buy, it can be helpful to review property tax rates with the relevant county tax assessor’s office, such as Fulton County Board of Assessors or DeKalb County Tax Commissioner.

Cost Snapshot: What Tends to Be Expensive vs. Manageable in Atlanta

Below is a general, simplified overview of how different categories often feel to residents and visitors. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and neighborhood.

Tips to Keep Atlanta More Affordable

If you’re worried about whether Atlanta is too expensive, a few strategic choices can make a big difference:

• Choose your neighborhood carefully

  • Balance rent or home price against commute time and transportation costs.
  • Look at areas with reasonable access to major job centers but slightly lower housing demand.

• Leverage MARTA where possible

  • If you can live near a MARTA rail station, you may be able to own one car instead of two, or drive less overall.

• Use Atlanta’s free and low-cost amenities

  • Parks, trails, BeltLine, public libraries, and community events can offer plenty of recreation at little to no cost.

• Plan your dining and entertainment

  • Limit high-end restaurants and nightlife to certain nights.
  • Look for weekday specials or lunch menus when trying popular spots.

• Compare utility and service providers

  • Shop around for internet, cell phone, and (where allowed) natural gas plans that fit your budget.

So, Is Atlanta Expensive?

For most people, Atlanta sits in the middle of the pack:

• More expensive than many smaller Southern towns and rural areas
• More affordable than many large coastal cities and some high-cost metros

Your experience will depend on where you live in the metro, how much you drive, whether you have children, and how you like to spend your free time. With thoughtful choices about housing, transportation, and lifestyle, Atlanta can be manageable for a wide range of budgets, even as the city continues to grow and change.