Cost of Living in Atlanta, Georgia: What It Really Takes to Live Here

Atlanta, Georgia offers big-city amenities, a major job market, and diverse neighborhoods—but the price of living in Atlanta can vary a lot depending on where you live, how you get around, and your lifestyle.

This guide breaks down what it typically costs to live in Atlanta, how different parts of the city compare, and what to think about if you’re moving to or budgeting in Atlanta.

Is Atlanta Expensive? Big Picture Overview

Compared with major coastal cities, Atlanta’s cost of living is often considered moderate, but it has risen in recent years—especially housing.

In general:

• Housing is the biggest factor. Intown, walkable neighborhoods tend to be more expensive than outer suburbs.
• Transportation costs can be significant if you drive regularly or commute from the suburbs.
• Groceries, utilities, and healthcare in Atlanta usually land around average for a large U.S. metro.
• Entertainment and dining can be as affordable or as upscale as you choose—Atlanta has a wide price range.

If you already live in Atlanta, you’ve probably noticed that rents and home prices have grown faster than wages in many parts of the city. Budgeting carefully around housing and transportation is key.

Typical Monthly Budget: Quick Snapshot

The table below shows a rough monthly snapshot for one person and a couple living modestly but comfortably in the City of Atlanta (not including debt payments, large savings, or luxury spending). Actual numbers will vary by neighborhood and lifestyle.

Legend:
$ = lower range, $$ = moderate, $$$ = higher, $$$$ = high

Use this as a starting framework, then plug in your actual rent, car costs, and insurance to build a realistic Atlanta budget.

Housing Costs in Atlanta

Renting in Atlanta

Rent is usually the single largest expense.

What affects rent prices:

• Neighborhood: Intown vs. outer neighborhoods and suburbs
• Proximity to MARTA: Apartments near rail stations or in walkable areas usually cost more
• Amenities: New construction, parking garages, pools, in-unit laundry, and security raise prices

Common patterns around the city:

• Intown Hotspots (higher)
  Neighborhoods like Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, and West Midtown tend to have higher rents, especially in newer buildings and luxury mid/high-rises.
• Still-Intown but More Varied
  Areas like Grant Park, East Atlanta, Kirkwood, Edgewood, Westview, West End can offer lower rents than Midtown/Buckhead, but prices are climbing quickly.
• Buckhead
  Mix of high-end apartments, condos, and older, somewhat more affordable complexes. Luxury high-rises near Lenox/Pharr/Peachtree are at the upper end.
• Outside the City of Atlanta
  In some parts of Decatur, East Point, College Park, Sandy Springs, and Doraville, rents can be more moderate, though transit access and commute times matter.

If you need help with housing or rent, you can contact:

• Atlanta Housing Authority
  230 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: (404) 892-4700

They oversee housing programs and can provide information about income-based options.

Utilities and Internet

Utility costs depend on your building and how much you run heating/air conditioning. Atlanta summers are hot and humid, so electric bills often spike in summer due to air conditioning.

Typical recurring utilities:

• Electricity & gas (Georgia Power and/or gas providers)
• Water, sewer, trash (sometimes included in rent for apartments)
• Internet (especially if you work from home)
• Optional: Streaming services or cable TV

Older buildings without modern insulation may have higher power bills, while newer buildings with efficient HVAC typically cost less to cool.

Homeownership Costs in Atlanta

Buying a home or condo in Atlanta involves more than just the mortgage.

Key costs to plan for:

• Down payment and closing costs
• Mortgage payments (principal, interest)
• Property taxes (varies by county and city; Atlanta/DeKalb vs. Atlanta/Fulton can differ)
• Homeowners insurance
• HOA or condo association fees if applicable
• Maintenance and repairs

The Atlanta City Hall Office of Housing and Community Development can provide guidance on housing programs and assistance:

• City of Atlanta – Department of City Planning / Housing units often coordinate with community groups
  55 Trinity Ave SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main City line: (404) 330-6000 (ask for housing-related programs)

Homeownership is often more feasible in outer neighborhoods and nearby cities than in some of the most in-demand intown areas, especially for first-time buyers.

Transportation Costs: Car vs. MARTA vs. Rideshare

Owning a Car in Atlanta

Atlanta is known for heavy traffic and a spread-out metro area. Many residents rely on cars, which adds:

• Car payment (if financed or leased)
• Gas
• Insurance
• Parking (some apartments or offices charge separately)
• Maintenance and repairs
• Tolls, if you use managed lanes on major highways

Insurance rates depend on your ZIP code, driving record, vehicle, and coverage level. Intown ZIP codes with more traffic can be pricier.

Using MARTA and Other Options

If you live near a MARTA rail station or frequent bus line, you may be able to lower transportation costs.

MARTA services include:

• Rail Lines serving areas like Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, North Springs, College Park, and the Airport
• Bus Routes reaching many neighborhoods
• Atlanta Streetcar downtown

MARTA Headquarters (for information, passes, and customer service):

• Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)
  Headquarters & Information Booth
  2424 Piedmont Rd NE
  Atlanta, GA 30324
  Customer Service: (404) 848-5000

Other transportation options that affect your budget:

• Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) – convenient but can add up quickly
• Scooters and bikes in dense neighborhoods
• Walking in areas like Midtown, Downtown, Inman Park, and parts of Buckhead

Living near transit or in walkable areas can allow you to own fewer cars or skip a car entirely, which drastically changes the overall price of living in Atlanta.

Groceries and Food Costs in Atlanta

Food prices in Atlanta are generally around national urban averages, but your habits matter more than the city itself.

Groceries

You’ll find a full range of options:

• Large supermarkets: Kroger, Publix, and others across the metro
• Warehouse clubs: Membership-based stores that can reduce cost per unit if you buy in bulk
• Discount grocers: Often lower prices with a more limited selection
• Specialty and organic markets: Typically higher prices
• Farmers markets: Seasonal savings on fresh produce and local goods

Popular farmer and public market examples include:

• Your DeKalb Farmers Market (just outside the city in Decatur)
• Local neighborhood farmers markets (e.g., in Grant Park, East Atlanta, and others seasonally)

Cooking at home most of the week and packing lunches can significantly reduce your monthly costs compared with eating out.

Eating Out and Entertainment

Atlanta’s dining scene ranges widely:

• Casual spots and food trucks: Relatively budget-friendly
• Mid-range local restaurants: Common choice for residents
• High-end steakhouses and chef-driven restaurants: Higher cost, especially in Buckhead and Midtown

To control spending:

• Plan set “eating out” nights per week
• Look for lunch specials, which are often cheaper than dinner
• Take advantage of happy hour food deals where available

Entertainment—concerts, games, festivals—can add up. Atlanta has many free or low-cost options, such as:

• BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Piedmont Park
• Centennial Olympic Park
• Free or low-cost community events in various neighborhoods

Healthcare and Insurance Costs

Healthcare costs in Atlanta depend heavily on:

• Whether you have employer-sponsored insurance
• Your deductible and copay structure
• Your choice of hospital systems and providers

Atlanta has several major hospital systems, such as:

• Emory Healthcare
• Grady Health System
• Piedmont Healthcare
• Wellstar Health System (serving parts of the metro)

For individuals seeking publicly oriented healthcare support, Grady Memorial Hospital often functions as a safety net provider:

• Grady Memorial Hospital
  80 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main: (404) 616-1000

Out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions, specialist visits, and emergency care vary widely. When comparing jobs or planning a move, look closely at premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums, not just base salary.

Childcare and Education Costs

If you have children, childcare and education are some of the most important parts of the price of living in Atlanta.

Childcare

Childcare costs in metro Atlanta can be substantial:

• Daycare centers: Vary by location, age of child, and program quality
• In-home daycares: Sometimes lower-cost than large centers
• Nannies or sitters: Typically higher per-hour cost, especially for dedicated in-home care

Waitlists for popular intown centers can be long, so planning in advance is important.

The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) oversees childcare licensing and quality ratings:

• Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning
  2 Martin Luther King Jr Dr SE, Suite 754, East Tower
  Atlanta, GA 30334
  Main: (404) 656-5957

They can help you locate licensed childcare and understand quality ratings, which can influence both cost and value.

Public vs. Private School

Within the City of Atlanta:

• Atlanta Public Schools (APS) provide K-12 public education, funded by taxes
• Some families choose charter schools or magnet programs within APS
• Private schools (religious and non-religious) around Buckhead, Midtown, and other parts of the metro can be a significant expense

Remember to factor into your budget:

• School supplies and uniforms (if required)
• After-school programs
• Sports, arts, and extracurricular activities
• Transportation or parking if you drive to school daily

Taxes and Fees That Affect Your Cost of Living

Taxes and required fees in and around Atlanta influence your bottom line even if they’re less visible day-to-day.

Key items:

• Sales tax: Applied to most in-store purchases; the rate varies slightly by county and special districts
• Property tax: For homeowners, based on assessed property value and local millage rates
• Vehicle registration and ad valorem tax: Paid through your county’s tax commissioner
• Parking costs: In popular areas like Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or near the Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena

For property tax and vehicle registration, Atlanta residents may deal with Fulton or DeKalb counties:

• Fulton County Tax Commissioner
  141 Pryor St SW, Suite 1085
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: (404) 613-6100

• DeKalb County Tax Commissioner
  4380 Memorial Dr, Suite 100
  Decatur, GA 30032
  Phone: (404) 298-4000

Understanding which county you live in (and whether you’re inside the City of Atlanta limits) is important because tax rates and some fees differ.

How Neighborhood Choice Changes the Price of Living in Atlanta

Within the Atlanta area, cost differences between neighborhoods can be significant. When you’re evaluating where to live, compare:

1. Rent or mortgage prices
2. Parking costs
3. Commute time and transportation (gas, tolls, MARTA, rideshare)
4. Proximity to grocery stores and essentials
5. Childcare/school access
6. Safety and comfort level

Some broad patterns:

• Intown, walkable, and transit-accessible

  • Higher housing costs
  • Potentially lower transportation costs if you own fewer or no cars
  • Easy access to restaurants, offices, and entertainment

• Outer neighborhoods and suburbs

  • Often lower rent or more space for the same price
  • Higher transportation costs (longer commutes, car dependence)
  • Fewer walkable amenities in many areas

It’s often helpful to make two sample budgets:

• One for living closer in with higher rent but lower car use
• One for living farther out with lower rent but higher commute costs

Then compare total monthly cost and lifestyle trade-offs, not just rent alone.

Strategies to Manage the Cost of Living in Atlanta

A few practical ways Atlanta residents often control costs:

• Housemate or roommate arrangements in high-demand intown neighborhoods
• Choosing apartments where water and trash are included to simplify bills
• Living close to work or near a MARTA station to reduce driving costs
• Using parks, free festivals, and BeltLine trails for low-cost recreation
• Shopping at a mix of discount grocery stores and farmers markets
• Tracking variable costs like rideshare, dining out, and subscriptions

If you’re facing financial hardship or struggling with basic living costs, reach out to local assistance networks and city services through:

• United Way of Greater Atlanta – 2-1-1
  Dial 211 from most phones in the region for information about rent, utility, food, and other assistance programs

Planning Your Atlanta Budget

To understand the true price of living in Atlanta, Georgia for your situation:

1. List your non-negotiables: number of bedrooms, car vs. transit, preferred school zones, etc.
2. Research rents or home prices in 2–3 neighborhoods that fit those needs.
3. Estimate car costs vs. MARTA costs for your specific commute.
4. Plug in realistic numbers for utilities, groceries, insurance, and childcare if needed.
5. Add a cushion for entertainment, clothing, and unexpected expenses.

When you take this full-picture approach, you’ll get a clearer view of what it actually costs to live in Atlanta—and what trade-offs can make the city work for your budget and lifestyle.