Cost of Living in Atlanta, GA

With a cost of living index of 119, Atlanta, GA is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 19% more expensive than the national average and 36% above the Georgia state average of 82. As a major city with a population of 499,287, Atlanta offers a wide range of housing options, employment opportunities, and urban amenities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Atlanta's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,617 (23% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $420,600 (38% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.1x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Atlanta is $81,938, which is 9% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 24% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Atlanta. The area sees an average annual temperature of 62.3°F, with summers averaging 79°F and winters around 46°F. Annual rainfall totals 48.1 inches spread over roughly 123 days.

Everyday prices in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.