Cost of Living in Forest Park, GA
Population 19,619 · Georgia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Forest Park run well below national norms — a median of $42,286 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $119,000). At 6.4%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Forest Park sits roughly 11 miles southeast of Atlanta — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 72% lower than Atlanta's $421,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Forest Park
The median home value in Forest Park is $119,000 — 61% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,101/month, 16% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $42,286/year is 43% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.4%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 73.1°F and lows of 54.1°F, with about 2.2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Forest Park has a cost of living index of 57 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 43% less 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 54 | 58 | 66 | 74 | 81 | 87 | 90 | 89 | 84 | 74 | 64 | 56 |
| Low °F | 36 | 39 | 45 | 53 | 61 | 69 | 72 | 71 | 66 | 55 | 44 | 38 |
| Precip" | 4.59 | 4.55 | 4.68 | 3.81 | 3.56 | 4.54 | 4.75 | 4.30 | 3.82 | 3.28 | 3.98 | 4.57 |
| Snow" | 1.0 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.4 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Forest Park, GA?
Forest Park has a cost index of 57 (100 = national average). It is 43% below the national average.
What is average rent in Forest Park, GA?
The median gross rent in Forest Park is $1,101 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Forest Park?
The median home value in Forest Park is $119,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Forest Park?
The median household income in Forest Park is $42,286 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Forest Park, GA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Forest Park is 7.3%. The Georgia state income tax top rate is 5.5%.
Is Forest Park, GA affordable?
Yes, Forest Park is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 57 — about 43% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Forest Park?
Forest Park has average high temperatures of 73.1°F and average lows of 54.1°F. Annual precipitation is 50.4". Average annual snowfall is 2.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Forest Park at a Glance
- Population
- 19,619
- Median Income
- $42,286
- Home Value
- $119,000
- Median Rent
- $1,101/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 73.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Georgia Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs