Cost of Living in Ellijay, GA

With a cost of living index of 80, Ellijay, GA is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 20% cheaper than the national average and in line with the Georgia state average. Ellijay is a small community of 1,931 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Ellijay's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $728 (45% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $277,600 (9% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.8x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Ellijay is $47,639, which is 37% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 18% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Ellijay. The area sees an average annual temperature of 60.8°F, with summers averaging 77°F and winters around 44°F. Annual rainfall totals 48.1 inches spread over roughly 131 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.