Some call Atlanta, Georgia The Big Peach, A-Town, The Big A, or the New York of the South. With jobs in the entertainment industry flourishing, endless options for southern cuisine, and favorable temperatures for outdoor activities, you may just want to call this city home. If you’re considering a move to this popular southern destination, cost of living is a major factor in making your decision. We’ll give you a breakdown of the highlights of cost of living in “The Big A”.
- Housing
- Transportation
- Utilities
- Food
- Taxes
- Misc. expenses
- Income & job market
- Entertainment
Housing costs in Atlanta
The average rent for a studio apartment in Atlanta is $1,528. For a one-bedroom apartment in Atlanta, you can expect to pay approximately $1,705. Two-bedroom apartments run about $2,233, while a three-bedroom apartment is around $2,935.
Quartiers
Downtown Decatur boasts a scene of restaurants, shops, and culture. Decatur can put you within the city limits of Atlanta in under 10 minutes. Tucker lies about 15-20 minutes outside the perimeter. It’s a suburban environment with everything you need within a few miles radius. It provides ample shopping, dining, parks, and recreation without the dreaded Atlanta traffic, making taking care of daily errands a breeze.
A bit farther out, check out Lawrenceville, Conyers, Marietta, Kennesaw, and Woodstock, all of which are about a half-hour outside the perimeter. They all have a distinct local flavor while being a bit more laid-back and less crowded than Atlanta, keeping you relatively close to the city.
Transportation costs in Atlanta
Atlanta is a sprawling urban area that requires either a personal vehicle or public transit to get to most places. The cost of a monthly pass with the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority will run you about $95 a month, with a one-way ticket coming in at $2.50. Gas prices in Atlanta are comparable to the nation’s average, and a taxi ride is slightly cheaper than other major metropolitan areas.
Utilities
For a 915-square-foot apartment, you can expect to pay around $168.05 for your basic utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage. That price will increase incrementally according to your square footage in a larger apartment. Internet service averages around $67.50 a month according to Numbeo. Cable TV service will run from around $39.99 to $100, depending on the number of channels or additional packages you select.
Food costs
You can expect to pay the following: $3.10 for one gallon of milk and $2.11 for a dozen regular eggs. The estimated food costs for a month of groceries for one person is $325. If you want to dine out, there’s a vibrant, diverse food scene in Atlanta. A meal for one at a casual dining, inexpensive restaurant will run you about $15. Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant will average you between $50 and $65. If you want luxe gourmet dining, costs will be higher but worth it.
There are bargains to be had off the beaten path, and that’s also where you’ll find some of the most authentic cuisines. Check out the offerings along Buford Highway, which boasts a plethora of every variety of Asian cuisine you can imagine. There are even lovely little tea houses. If you want to try your hand at cooking Asian food at home, there’s a host of Asian supermarkets dotting Buford Highway. Likewise, restaurants serve authentic, fresh Mexican cuisine, and there are Latin supermarkets with excellent fresh produce and specialty items.
Taxes
Georgia’s state sales tax rate is 7%, with Fulton and Dekalb counties adding an additional 1.9%, bringing Atlanta’s sales tax to 8.9%. Residents enjoy state-wide sales tax holidays several times a year to boost the economy and save some money. Property taxes come in at approximately 1.07%. Residents with a minimum taxable income of $7,000 also pay a top marginal state income tax of 6%.
Other expenses
The average price of childcare in Atlanta is $1222 per month, with a year of international primary school at $22,640. Clothing prices are at or below the national average, as are entertainment options such as the movie theater. According to Numbeo, a membership to a fitness center runs about $35 a month for those who like to work out via group classes or lift weights.
Income and job market
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Atlanta is $59,948, with an individual median income of $34,218. Atlanta also has a better job market than other major metropolitan areas, with a high demand for many positions, including advertising sales agents, office managers, and insurance sales agents. The future job growth is estimated at 46.8%, compared to 33.5% as a national average.
Entertainment in Atlanta
Atlanta has so much to offer residents in terms of entertainment. From historical destinations and museums, to sporting events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are just a few of the must-see attractions and what you can expect to spend on admission:
- Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park – This historic landmark area spans 35 acres and includes several landmark buildings related to the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Tours are available free of charge to the public with reservations.
- The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library– Learn about the life and work of President Jimmy Carter in this expansive museum. Cost of admission is free for children 16 and under, $12 for adults, and $10 for seniors (60 +), military members, and students with IDs.
- Georgia Aquarium – General admission tickets are $36.95 and free for children under 2. With admission you will have access to all aquarium galleries. You’ll also be able to attend the 4D theater shows and general seating dolphin and sea lion presentations, but these events will require registration on the day of visit.
- The World of Coca-Cola Museum – Visit this iconic museum for everything relating to the popular beverage loved by many. General admission tickets are as follows: $18 adults (13-64), $16 for seniors (65 +), $14 (youth (3-12) , and free to toddlers (0-2).
- Centennial Olympic Park – Excluding any special ticketed events, this bustling outdoor space is free to the public. You’ll find this area to be the heart of downtown Atlanta, with historic olympic landmarks and many restaurants and nightlife options nearby.
- High Museum of Art – Take in the collections of art ranging from classic to contemporary, and gain access to special collections and featured artists. General admission is $16.50 and free to children under 6.
- Truist Park (Atlanta Braves) – Hit an entertainment home run and take yourself out to an Atlanta Braves ballgame. While ticket prices for the 2022 season are not yet available (as of November 2021), the average cost of single game tickets is around $56.
Atlanta can be a wonderful place to call home. With an overall cost of living that’s 1% lower than the national average, you can enjoy the big city life at a normal price tag. Housing comes in at 6% below the national average, with utilities 15% below, and groceries 5% above the national average. With a bit of luck, you can find just the right place at the right price in Atlanta, Georgia.
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