Curious about the cost of living in Atlanta, Georgia? Your living expenses within this lovely city can depend on where you settle down. From health care to groceries, prices can fluctuate based on your zip code.

If you're considering a move to Georgia’s capital city, it's helpful to be aware of the standard of living in Atlanta and the costs associated with the area. Our guide gives you an overview of what to expect in terms of living expenses in Atlanta, Georgia, from the price of new construction homes in the suburbs to city living and how costs vary across different zip codes.

Summary:

• Cost of Living in Atlanta, GA
• Understanding the Cost of Living in Atlanta, GA
• Healthcare and Education Costs in Atlanta, GA
• Exploring Atlanta’s Entertainment and Recreation Expenses
• Cost of Living in Atlanta, Georgia, Conclusion
  
  

Cost of Living in Atlanta, GA

The Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) found the Atlanta cost of living index to be 100.4 as of October 2023. According to March 2024 RentCafe® data, sourced from C2ER’s research, the Atlanta average cost of living is 1% lower than the national average but 10% higher than the state average.  

Numbeo® estimates that, as of March 2024, a household of four has a monthly cost of living in Atlanta of about $4,885, and an individual’s monthly expenses are roughly $1,352. These two estimates don’t include rent costs.

Understanding the Cost of Living in Atlanta, GA

When breaking down the cost of living for Atlanta, Georgia, the first thing to remember is the size and scope of the city. Atlanta is both a metropolitan area and a city. The city of Atlanta is Georgia’s capital, consists of two counties, and encompasses 131 square miles. 

However, the metropolitan area of Atlanta is much larger, spanning 28 counties and ranking among the country’s top 10 largest metropolitan areas, per research from Emory University’s Woodruff Library (as of January 2024). 

As a result, when referring to the cost of living in Atlanta, these facts and figures are generalized to encompass both definitions.

Factors That Contribute to the Cost of Living in Atlanta

City living has its pros and cons when it comes to expenses. While rent and everyday essentials may be higher, you could also benefit from greater access to public transportation. Living in the city also means convenient access to restaurants, bars, and entertainment. While the drawback of city life is the expense, the advantages of it include the vibrant, exciting atmosphere and in-the-thick-of-it location. 

Atlanta, Georgia, living expenses in the suburbs can also vary greatly, depending on the neighborhood. The slight change in address and zip code can impact daily costs and the long-term expense of living in some the best Atlanta suburbs.

Comparison of Housing Costs in Atlanta Neighborhoods

What’s fun about Atlanta’s lifestyle is that even in the suburbs, you often have convenient access to Atlanta’s attractions, activities, and amenities. However, your average living expenses can differ based on which suburb you call home. For example, the cost of living in Midtown Atlanta may vary from a nearby suburb like Buckhead. 

Understandably, buying a home is one of the most significant expenses that factors into the Atlanta price of living. Here’s an Atlanta cost of living comparison for the cost of building a new home in and around the city’s metropolitan area: 

• Buckhead cost of living for a new construction home: Buckhead is known for its retail scene in Lenox Square, fun nightlife, and stunning mansions. The area has plenty of new construction townhomes, and NewHomeSource® lists available townhomes in the mid to upper $800Ks as of January 2024. Explore our new construction homes in Atlanta, GA, near Buckhead, starting in the mid $400Ks.
   
• Midtown Atlanta cost of living for a new construction home: Living in Midtown Atlanta means being in the center of city life. While you won’t find any houses among the skyscrapers, you can purchase a condo. NewHomeSource lists the price of a condo in Midtown ranging from $600K to several million dollars as of January 2024. Explore our new construction homes in Atlanta, GA, near Midtown, which start in the mid $400Ks.
   
• Peachtree City cost of living for a new construction home: The Peachtree City suburb sits about 30 miles south of Atlanta. This popular area is known for the regular sight of golf carts residents use when they’re out and about, and there are more than 100 miles of paved paths for them to travel. The cost of a new construction home in Peachtree City, according to NewHomeSource in January 2024, is roughly $500K.
  
  
• Woodstock cost of living for a new construction home: Located about 30 miles north of Atlanta is the suburb of Woodstock. The area has parks and trails, restaurants and bars, cute boutiques, and tons of community-friendly activities and events. The cost of a new construction home in Woodstock runs into the upper $800Ks, according to NewHomeSource in January 2024.
  
  
• Marietta cost of living for a new construction home: You’ll find Marietta about 20 miles northwest of Atlanta, where residents can access the natural beauty of the Chattahoochee River and Kennesaw Mountain and enjoy events, festivals, and a small-town feel. The cost of a new construction home in Marietta varies significantly, but the average hovers around $700K per NewHomeSource in January 2024. Browse our new construction homes in Powder Springs, GA, near Marietta.

Average Monthly Expenses for Utilities, Food, and Transportation

The cost of living in Atlanta per month includes essentials like utilities, groceries, and transportation. Here’s a glimpse of Atlanta living expenses in these categories, according to March 2023 data from RentCafe: 

• Utilities in Atlanta are 19% lower than the national average, and the average energy bill in Atlanta runs $134.81.
   
• While your phone costs may depend on the number of lines and whether you also have a landline, the monthly cost averages $191.
   
• Grocery costs are 1% higher than the national average, putting a loaf of bread at $4.13, one gallon of milk at $4.69, and a dozen eggs at $4.35. 

RentCafe finds transportation costs in Atlanta are on par with the national average and can include gas prices or the cost of a MARTA public transportation ticket, which can be as low as $1 for a single trip with no transfers to a one-day pass for $9 or an annual pass for $95. Gas averages $3.37 per gallon in Atlanta as of March 2024, per AAA®.

Healthcare and Education Costs in Atlanta, GA

Whether researching college tuition or searching for a new primary care physician, having a sense of healthcare and education costs in Atlanta can be beneficial.

Overview of Healthcare Facilities and Costs in Atlanta

Atlanta residents have access to several hospitals and health systems, including Grady Health, Emory Hospital, Northside Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Atlanta, and Piedmont Healthcare.

Atlanta’s healthcare costs are 9% higher than the national average, reports RentCafe, offering this breakdown of approximate costs as of March 2024:

• Doctor's visit: $126.57
• Dentist: $144.75
• Optometrist: $129.73

These numbers are highly variable and dependent upon your insurance plan if you have one. Per MoneyGeek®, insurance plans can range from $334 to $785 in 2024, depending on the provider and tier.

Education Options and Associated Expenses in the City

Atlanta and its suburbs are home to several colleges and universities, including Emory University, Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Clark Atlanta University, Spelman University, Morehouse College, and Agnes Scott College. 

When researching the cost of attending college in the greater Atlanta area, consider including transportation expenses in your total. If you live in the city and can take MARTA, you can save on gas prices and the cost of a parking pass for the institution. 

College tuition can vary significantly based on several factors, such as in-state versus out-of-state status, awarded scholarships, available financial aid and federal assistance, company reimbursement (if your employer helps pay for higher education), whether the institution is public or private, as well as the specific degree program you’re applying to (graduate degrees typically cost more than undergraduate degrees). 

For example, compare the cost of an undergraduate program at Emory University, a private institution in Decatur, to Kennesaw State University, a public institution in the suburb of Kennesaw. According to an article Emory released in March 2023, Emory’s tuition and associated fees increased for the 2023–2024 school year to $79,054 per year. Kennesaw State’s 2023–2024 undergraduate tuition and fees total $41,107 for an in-state student living on campus, per the university’s website as of January 2024. 

Also, the average out-of-state tuition in Georgia can be almost three times as much as in-state tuition, according to April 2022 data from the Education Data Initiative.

Atlanta has public and private school options for the K–12 crowd.

Education Resources and Scholarships in Georgia

Atlanta residents attending higher education institutions in Georgia can apply for several scholarships and grants: 

• HOPE and Zell Miller scholarships: These scholarships are based on merit and high school grades and go toward eligible institutions. The exact amount awarded depends on academic achievement and course hours.
   
• HOPE and Zell Miller grants: These funds are also based on academic achievement and can only be used at eligible state institutions. Students pursuing a certificate or diploma can apply.
   
• Dual Enrollment program: High school students eager to make the most of their time can apply for dual enrollment at a local institution. This funding can also cover the cost of their tuition, fees, and books.
   
• Georgia College Completion Grant: Students can apply for funding to help pay for their college tuition bill.
   
• Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant Program: If you’re interested in attending a private institution in Georgia, this grant helps make that opportunity more affordable.
   
• HERO Scholarship Program: If you, your spouse, or your parents have served in the Georgia National Guard or U.S. Military Reserves in combat zones, you may be eligible for this program.
   
• Inclusive Postsecondary Education Grant Program: Students with intellectual disabilities enrolled in participating institutions can apply for this grant. The Bud McCall Post-Secondary Vocational Rehabilitation Grant is a similar financial assistance opportunity for students.
   
• ROTC grants and military scholarships: Georgia has several scholarships, including those that cover the complete cost of attendance, for current, former, and future military personnel.
   
• REACH Georgia Scholarship Program: High school students can receive the mentoring and support they need to graduate and a scholarship toward their future college endeavors.
   
• Public Safety Memorial Grant: Students whose parent(s) were killed in the line of duty as Georgia Public Safety Officers are eligible for this grant.

Exploring Atlanta’s Entertainment and Recreation Expenses

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Consumer Expenditure Survey in 2021-2022, Atlanta residents spend about 5% of their income on entertainment. Let’s look at some of those recreational living expenses in Atlanta. 

Costs of Dining Out in Atlanta

For every neighborhood and suburb of Atlanta, you’ll find dozens of restaurants, from classic Southern comfort food to cutting-edge cuisine. Atlanta is a melting pot of cultures, with numerous countries represented in unique, one-of-a-kind dishes. You can find a place to eat on any budget. For example, data from Numbeo in March 2024 found that a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant averages $100 for two people.     

Affordable Recreational Activities in Atlanta

The great outdoors offers plenty of affordable activities around Atlanta. You could spend the day at Stone Mountain, get in the water at the Chattahoochee River, explore Path 400, or visit a local park. Depending on the city and county, your new home may also have local sports teams to join. 

Budget-Friendly Ways to Enjoy Atlanta’s Cultural Attractions

Some of the most popular attractions in Atlanta are free! Some options include spending a sunny day exploring the Atlanta Beltline, snapping some photos in Centennial Park, jogging or strolling in Piedmont Park, or going back in time through the Sweet Auburn District. Discover Atlanta also has deals and discounts on attractions, so consult their list before paying full price for a ticket.

Cost of Living in Atlanta, Georgia, Conclusion

The cost of living in Atlanta may be slightly higher than other areas in the state, but it’s on par with the national average and offers plenty of perks for its residents. From charming suburbs to endless attractions and amenities, there's much to love about this vibrant city.

Explore new construction homes in Atlanta, GA, today or browse more Pulte® blogs. Also find affordable home builders in Austin with Centex.

Written By: Alexandra Shimalla, Georgia-Based Freelance Journalist