Cost of Living in Atlanta, Georgia in 2025

Atlanta, Georgia Cost of Living: Quick Takeaways

Housing Costs: The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Atlanta increased steadily, reaching approximately $1,458 in 2025.
Transportation Expenses: Public transit monthly passes cost about $95.00, with fuel priced at roughly $3.14 per gallon.
Healthcare Costs: Employer-sponsored monthly health insurance averages around $400, with Silver health plans at $600 per month.
Grocery and Food Expenses: Monthly grocery costs are about $352 per person, with casual meals around $15 and mid-range dining about $50.
Income Levels: Median household income in Atlanta is projected to be around $70,000 in 2025.

Atlanta, Georgia is a bustling metropolitan hub known for its rich history and economic opportunities. Understanding the cost of living helps residents and newcomers plan effectively.

This article provides a detailed breakdown of cost of living factors in Atlanta for 2025, including housing, transportation, utilities, groceries, and more.

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1. Housing Costs in Atlanta, Georgia

Housing is a critical factor in the cost of living in Atlanta. Below are the historical average rents for a one-bedroom apartment:

2010: Approximately $900
2015: Around $1,050
2020: Approximately $1,200
2024: Reached $1,353
2025: Projected to be $1,458

The rising rental rates reflect Atlanta's growing popularity and expanding housing demand.

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2. Homeownership and Real Estate Trends in Atlanta, Georgia

For those interested in buying property, the median home price has evolved significantly:

2010: Median home price was approximately $150,000
2015: Increased to around $200,000
2020: Approximately $300,000
2024: Reached $450,458
2025: Estimated at $432,500

This trend shows strong appreciation, impacting affordability and investment potential in Atlanta.

3. Transportation Expenses in Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta offers varied transportation options with associated costs:

Public Transit: One-way fare is about $2.50; monthly passes cost around $95.00.
Fuel Costs: Average price per gallon is approximately $3.14 in 2025.
Vehicle Maintenance: Annual maintenance averages $4,233, higher than many U.S. cities.

These expenses depend on commuting distance and vehicle type.

4. Utility Costs in Atlanta, Georgia

Typical monthly utilities for an average apartment include:

Electricity: $205.41
Internet: $60.00
Total Utilities: Approximately $265.41 per month

Utility costs may fluctuate depending on usage and provider.

5. Grocery and Food Expenses in Atlanta, Georgia

Grocery costs in Atlanta are slightly above national figures:

Monthly grocery expenses per person average $352.00. Dining out typically costs around $15 for casual meals and $50 for mid-range restaurants.

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6. Healthcare Costs in Atlanta, Georgia

Healthcare spending varies by insurance coverage:

Employer-sponsored insurance costs average about $400 monthly, while Silver plans cost roughly $600 per month.

7. Educational Expenses in Atlanta, Georgia

Educational costs vary depending on type:

Public Schools: Generally free to residents, funded by taxes.
Private School Tuition: Average about $20,000 per year.
In-State University Tuition: Around $10,000 annually for public universities.

These costs reflect the diversity of educational options.

8. Entertainment and Leisure in Atlanta, Georgia

Typical recreational expenses include:

Movie Tickets: Approximately $15.19 each.
Gym Memberships: Average $50 per month.
Dining Out: Mid-range restaurant meals cost around $50.

Annual entertainment expenses average about $2,000, with personal care services costing roughly $768.

9. Taxes and Miscellaneous Fees in Atlanta, Georgia

Key tax details include:

State Income Tax: Ranges from 1% to 5.75% based on income.
Sales Tax: Total sales tax is approximately 8.9%.
Property Tax: Around 1.16% of property value.

These taxes affect residents and business operations alike.

10. Childcare and Family Expenses in Atlanta, Georgia

Families incur various costs for child services:

Daycare: Average monthly cost is $1,000.
After-School Programs: Typically $300 monthly.
Extracurricular Activities: Estimate $150 monthly.

Planning for these expenses is essential for family budgeting.

11. Clothing and Personal Care in Atlanta, Georgia

Typical monthly spending includes:

Clothing: Approximately $115 per month
Personal Care: Around $54 monthly for items and services such as grooming.

These costs vary with personal lifestyle and preferences.

12. Insurance Costs in Atlanta, Georgia

Insurance premiums contribute significantly to living expenses:

Health Insurance: Average monthly premium is about $500.
Auto Insurance: Annual premiums average $1,200.
Homeowners Insurance: Costs about $1,500 annually.
Renters Insurance: Approximately $200 per year.

Insurance is vital for protection and peace of mind.

13. Miscellaneous Expenses in Atlanta, Georgia

Additional costs that affect budgets include:

Entertainment: Average annual spending is around $2,000.
Personal Care Services: Approximately $768 yearly.
Miscellaneous Goods and Services: Around $707 annually.

Individual preferences influence these expenses.

14. Income and Salaries in Atlanta, Georgia

Median household incomes have grown steadily:

2010: About $46,000
2015: Around $50,000
2020: Approximately $57,760
2023: Reached about $69,164
2025: Projected $70,000

This economic growth supports Atlanta's dynamic job market.

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15. Comparison with National Averages for Atlanta, Georgia

Key comparisons show:

Overall Cost of Living: About 4% lower than the national average.
Housing: Approximately 13% lower, indicating affordable housing relative to nationwide.
Utilities: On par with national levels.
Food: Slightly higher by about 1%.
Healthcare: 7% higher than national average.
Transportation: 2% higher, reflecting local commute costs.
Goods and Services: Approximately 2% lower.

These figures help frame Atlanta's living costs for residents and those considering moving.

Our Methodology for Atlanta, Georgia Cost of Living Figures

We source data for this analysis from trusted databases such as Numbeo, Zillow, the Bureau of Labor Statistics and local government reports. Some values are estimated when exact figures were unavailable to maintain comprehensive accuracy.

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Atlanta, Georgia Cost of Living: Conclusion

Atlanta presents an attractive living environment with moderate costs relative to many U.S. metro areas. Housing remains affordable compared to national averages, though rising rents and property values demand attention.

Transportation and healthcare costs are moderately higher, but balanced by competitive utility and miscellaneous expenses. Median incomes have grown steadily, supporting residents’ quality of life.

Careful financial planning considering these factors is essential for those relocating or currently residing in Atlanta. Understanding the diverse cost components enables better budgeting and lifestyle decisions in the vibrant city of Atlanta, Georgia.

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