Cost of Living in Atlanta, GA
Population 499,287 · Georgia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Atlanta's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $81,938 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Atlanta
The median home value in Atlanta is $420,600 — 38% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,617/month, 23% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $81,938/year is 10% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. Georgia's top state income tax rate is 5.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.3%. Overall, Atlanta has a cost of living index of 132 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 32% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Atlanta, GA?
Atlanta has a cost index of 132 (100 = national average). It is 32% above the national average.
What is average rent in Atlanta, GA?
The median gross rent in Atlanta is $1,617 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Atlanta?
The median home value in Atlanta is $420,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Atlanta?
The median household income in Atlanta is $81,938 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Atlanta, GA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Atlanta is 7.3%. The Georgia state income tax top rate is 5.5%.
Is Atlanta, GA affordable?
Atlanta is above average in cost of living, with an index of 132 — about 32% higher than the national average.
Atlanta at a Glance
- Population
- 499,287
- Median Income
- $81,938
- Home Value
- $420,600
- Median Rent
- $1,617/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.9%
- Sales Tax
- 7.3%
Nearby Cities
Compare Atlanta
Explore county-level cost of living data
Georgia Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs