What Is the Average Rent in Atlanta, Georgia? A Local Guide to Prices & Neighborhoods

If you’re trying to figure out average rent in Atlanta, Georgia, you’re not alone. Whether you’re relocating to the city, moving across town, or just wondering if your current rent is reasonable, it helps to understand what people actually pay and why prices vary so much by neighborhood.

Because rents change frequently, it’s best to treat any dollar figure as a general range, not a guaranteed quote. Still, there are clear patterns across the city that can help you budget and choose where to live.

Typical Rent Ranges in Atlanta (Big-Picture Overview)

In and around City of Atlanta limits, many renters see prices roughly in these ranges:

*These are broad, commonly seen ranges for apartment-style rentals in many in-town and close-in neighborhoods. Luxury buildings, high-demand micro-neighborhoods, and single-family homes can be significantly more expensive.

Key takeaways:

• In-town, walkable neighborhoods (Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Buckhead) often run on the higher end of these ranges.
• Farther out or less central areas (parts of Southwest Atlanta, South DeKalb, South Fulton, and older complexes) may be available on the lower end, especially for older buildings.
• Single-family homes, townhomes, and new luxury buildings can be noticeably higher than typical apartment averages.

If you’re starting from scratch, a practical rule of thumb is:

How Rent Varies by Atlanta Neighborhood

Atlanta is very neighborhood-driven. Average rent in “Atlanta” is less useful than average rent in the specific area you’re considering.

Below is a general sense of how pricing tiers often line up across the city. Individual buildings can be cheaper or more expensive, but these trends are common.

Higher-Cost, In-Town Neighborhoods

Expect to often see above-average rents in:

• Midtown
• Buckhead (especially around Lenox, Phipps, Buckhead Village)
• Old Fourth Ward (near Ponce City Market, The BeltLine)
• Inman Park and Virginia-Highland
• West Midtown (Howell Mill area, Westside Provisions)

In these areas, 1-bedroom apartments:

• Commonly fall in the $1,700 – $2,400+ range, especially in newer or amenity-rich buildings.
• Walkable locations near MARTA, The BeltLine, or major job centers usually cost more.

2-bedrooms in these same neighborhoods:

• Frequently run from about $2,100 – $3,000+, depending on building age, size, and amenities.

Mid-Range, Popular Intown and Close-In Neighborhoods

These areas can still be pricey but sometimes offer more value:

• Edgewood, Kirkwood
• Cabbagetown, Reynoldstown
• Grant Park, Ormewood Park
• Parts of West End, Adair Park
• Upper Westside and older parts of Brookhaven or Chamblee

In these neighborhoods:

• 1-bedrooms often run $1,400 – $2,000.
• 2-bedrooms are often $1,800 – $2,600.
• Older walk-up buildings, duplexes, and smaller owners may list on the lower end.

More Affordable or Further-Out Areas

Considerably more budget-friendly options may be found in:

• Parts of Southwest Atlanta and Southeast Atlanta
• Some locations in South Fulton, College Park, East Point
• Older complexes in DeKalb County (e.g., along Memorial Drive, Candler Road, and similar corridors)
• Some stretches of I-20 and I-285 corridors

In these areas:

• 1-bedrooms can sometimes be under $1,300, especially in older complexes.
• 2-bedrooms may be $1,400 – $1,900.
• Condition, safety, and management quality can vary widely, so it’s important to view units in person when possible.

Factors That Drive Atlanta Rent Prices

1. Location: How Close You Are to Jobs, Transit, and Amenities

You’ll generally pay more when you are:

• Close to MARTA rail (e.g., Midtown, Lindbergh, Buckhead, Sandy Springs)
• Near The BeltLine, Piedmont Park, or Ponce City Market
• In high-demand school zones (more relevant for single-family homes and townhomes)

Areas with limited transit, fewer walkable amenities, or longer commutes tend to be more affordable.

2. Building Type and Age

Rent can look very different depending on what you’re renting:

• New high-rise or luxury mid-rise
  Often highest rents; modern amenities, pools, fitness centers, rooftop spaces, parking garages.
• Older mid-rise or garden-style complexes
  Usually more affordable; may have simpler amenities and dated finishes.
• Duplexes, triplexes, carriage houses
  Sometimes priced competitively and can offer more character or privacy.
• Single-family homes & townhomes
  Often higher rents, especially near good schools or in Buckhead, Midtown-adjacent neighborhoods, and popular intown areas.

3. Amenities and Extras

Add-ons that can raise your effective monthly cost:

• Parking fees (especially in Midtown, Buckhead, and some intown buildings)
• Pet rent and deposits
• Amenity fees (pool, package lockers, rooftop decks)
• Trash, pest, and “valet” services

When comparing “average rent,” always check whether those fees are included or extra.

4. Lease Term and Move-In Timing

• Shorter leases (like 3–6 months) often have higher monthly rent.
• Move-in during peak rental seasons (late spring and summer) can mean higher prices than winter or early spring.
• Some buildings offer move-in specials (e.g., one month free) that lower your effective rent, but your contract rent may still be higher.

What Is a “Good” Rent for Atlanta Right Now?

What counts as a “good” rent depends largely on:

• Your target neighborhood
• Your unit size and expectations
• Whether you’re okay with an older building

In many in-town neighborhoods, these benchmarks can help:

• Seeing a 1-bedroom under about $1,500 in a reasonably central area is often considered on the more affordable side, especially if it’s not heavily outdated.
• For 2-bedrooms, anything below $1,900 – $2,000 in high-demand, central neighborhoods is often seen as a relative deal, depending on building age and condition.

If you’re willing to:

• Live slightly farther from the urban core, or
• Choose an older or smaller building, or
• Commute by car instead of living near MARTA rail,

…you may be able to get noticeably more space for the same budget.

How Much Income You May Need to Rent in Atlanta

Many Atlanta landlords and management companies use income requirements such as:

• Gross monthly income at least 2.5–3 times the monthly rent.

For example:

• If rent is $1,800/month, many landlords want to see $4,500–$5,400/month in gross income.
• For $2,300/month, income expectations are often around $5,750–$6,900/month.

Some renters use a personal guideline of keeping rent around 30–35% of take-home pay, but that’s a personal budgeting choice, not a legal rule.

If your income is lower:

• Some properties accept co-signers or guarantors.
• Others may allow roommates, where all incomes are considered together.

Comparing Atlanta Rent to the Metro Area

The City of Atlanta is just one piece of the larger Atlanta metro area, which includes:

• Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Brookhaven
• Smyrna, Marietta
• Decatur, Tucker
• Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek
• College Park, East Point, Forest Park, and many others

Broadly:

• Intown and close-in northside suburbs tend to be on the higher side.
• Further south and some eastern or western suburbs can be more affordable.
• Commuting time and traffic (particularly along I-75, I-85, GA-400, and I-285) are a major trade-off when choosing cheaper rent farther out.

If you want a yard, garage, or more space for the money, a townhome or single-family rental in the suburbs may offer better value than a similarly priced intown apartment—but with longer commutes.

Extra Monthly Costs to Factor Into Your “Real” Rent

When planning your budget, your true housing cost usually includes more than just the advertised rent:

Utilities

Ask what’s included:

• Electricity: Often separate; cost depends on unit size, insulation, and A/C use.
• Water and sewer: Some buildings include it; others bill separately or charge a flat fee.
• Gas: Needed in many units for heat, hot water, or cooking.
• Trash and recycling: Sometimes part of rent, sometimes a separate mandatory fee.

Internet and TV

• High-speed internet plans are common in the $60–$100+/month range.
• Some newer buildings include wi-fi in a bundled fee.

Parking

• Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead garages sometimes charge monthly parking fees per car.
• Surface lots in less dense areas may be free or cheaper.
• If you don’t have a car and rely on MARTA, this may save significant money.

Renters Insurance

Many Atlanta landlords require renters insurance, which:

• Is often around $10–$25/month, depending on coverage.
• Protects your belongings and sometimes offers liability coverage.

Tips for Finding Reasonable Rent in Atlanta

Here are some grounded, local-style strategies that often help:

1. Expand Your Search Radius

Look just outside the best-known hot spots:

• Instead of only searching “Midtown,” also consider Home Park, Loring Heights, or parts of West Midtown.
• Instead of only “Inman Park,” also check Edgewood, Reynoldstown, or Kirkwood.
• Outside Buckhead core, look at North Druid Hills, Chamblee, or Brookhaven (older complexes).

Often, being a short drive, bike ride, or bus ride away from the trendiest corner can save hundreds per month.

2. Consider Older or Smaller Buildings

New mid-rises may be attractive, but:

• Older garden-style apartments (especially those not heavily marketed) can have lower rents.
• Smaller owner-managed properties—like duplexes or triplexes—can sometimes be more flexible on rent or fees.

3. Look for Move-In Specials

Around Atlanta, many larger communities offer:

• 1–2 months free, especially off-peak or for longer leases.
• Waived application or administration fees.

Always calculate the effective monthly rent over the full lease term, not just the discounted first month.

4. Use Roommates Strategically

For many renters, sharing a 2- or 3-bedroom:

• Cuts the per-person cost dramatically, even in more expensive neighborhoods.
• Lets you live closer to in-town amenities without paying for a whole place on your own.

5. Watch Commute Trade-Offs

Atlanta traffic is well-known. Before committing to a “cheaper” suburb:

• Map your daily commute times during peak hours.
• Consider costs for gas, parking downtown or midtown, and your time.

Sometimes a slightly higher rent closer to work can still lower your overall monthly costs and stress.

Affordable Housing Resources in Atlanta

If typical market rents are out of reach, there are local options that may help:

City of Atlanta & Fulton County Resources

• City of Atlanta – Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development
  68 Mitchell St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main city information line: (404) 330-6000
  Can provide direction to affordable housing programs and city initiatives.

• Atlanta Housing (Housing Authority of the City of Atlanta)
  230 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: (404) 892-4700
  Manages housing choice vouchers and affordable housing communities in the city.

State & Regional Resources

• Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA)
  60 Executive Park South NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
  Phone: (404) 679-4840
  Oversees various housing assistance and affordable housing programs across Georgia.

These organizations typically provide information on:

• Subsidized or income-restricted apartments
• Housing choice vouchers (Section 8), where available
• Down payment assistance or homebuyer programs (if you’re exploring ownership)

How to Decide If a Listed Rent Is Fair in Atlanta

When you see a listing, you can quickly assess its fairness by asking:

1. Which neighborhood is this, and how close is it to the core (Midtown/Downtown/Buckhead)?
   Compare to the ranges in that area, not citywide numbers.

2. How old is the building and what amenities are included?
   A high price with minimal amenities might indicate limited value.

3. What fees are added on top of rent?
   Ask about parking, pets, utilities, amenities, and required services.

4. How does the unit compare in size to similar listings nearby?
   A slightly higher rent may be reasonable if you get more space or better condition.

5. Does it fit safely within your monthly budget after other recurring expenses?
   Consider transportation, groceries, insurance, debt payments, and savings goals.

If your rent estimate aligns with common ranges for the specific neighborhood and unit type, and fits your budget with room for other essentials, it’s generally within the normal Atlanta market for that area.

Atlanta’s rental market can feel intense, but once you focus on neighborhood-specific ranges, building type, and your own budget limits, the numbers become more predictable. Use the ranges and factors above as a starting framework, then adjust based on the exact part of Atlanta you’re targeting and what you’re willing to trade—space, commute time, amenities, or age of the building—to land the best rent for your situation.