The short answer is: Not as affordable as it used to be.
While it may offer more space and amenities than other coastal markets, average rent in Atlanta now sits above the national median rent for both one- and two-bedroom apartments. How affordable it feels depends on your neighborhood, income, and timing—Atlanta’s market varies widely, and choosing the right area can make a big difference.
How much is rent in Atlanta?
As of October 2025, the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Atlanta is $1,650, while a 2-bedroom costs $2,010 (on average).
That puts Atlanta above national averages, where the median one-bedroom is $1,517 and the two-bedroom is $1,894. In other words, renters in Atlanta pay roughly 8.8% more for a one-bedroom and 6.1% more for a two-bedroom than the typical U.S. renter.
Across the city, rent prices vary dramatically. The difference between Atlanta’s most affordable and most expensive neighborhoods is $1,991 per month, which reflects how widely rent prices in the city can change depending on location and amenities.
What are the cheapest neighborhoods in Atlanta?
If you’re looking for lower-cost areas in Atlanta, these four neighborhoods currently offer some of the most affordable median rents.
| Neighborhood | Median Rent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ashview Heights | $1,025 | A close-knit community near several colleges with easy MARTA access. |
| Hunter Hills | $1,068 | Historic homes and quiet streets near the Westside BeltLine. |
| Campbellton Road | $1,100 | Affordable rents and proximity to parks and Southwest Atlanta shopping. |
| Glenrose Heights | $1,150 | A family-friendly area with a suburban vibe and reasonable commute times. |
These neighborhoods remain well below the city median, up to $875 less per month.
Which Atlanta neighborhoods are the most expensive?
On the high end, Atlanta’s luxury neighborhoods command steep prices:
| Neighborhood | Median Rent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Poncey Highland | $3,016 | Trendy and walkable, packed with dining and nightlife near the BeltLine. |
| East Chastain Park | $2,840 | Leafy, upscale, and residential, with quick access to North Buckhead amenities. |
| Buckhead Forest | $2,669 | Elegant apartments and renovated homes close to Peachtree Road. |
| Brookwood Hills | $2,549 | Historic architecture meets high-end convenience near Midtown. |
Rents here exceed the city median by $650–$1,100 per month.
How does Atlanta’s rent compare to the national average?
While Atlanta once offered renters in the South value at reasonable prices, it’s now slightly more expensive than the national median.
- 1-Bedroom: $1,650 vs. national $1,517 = $133 higher (+8.77%)
- 2-Bedroom: $2,010 vs. national $1,894 = $116 higher (+6.12%)
In short, Atlanta renters now spend a little more than the U.S. average for equivalent units, closing the gap with pricier metros like Nashville.
How much income do I need to afford rent in Atlanta?
Using the 30% income-to-rent rule, which states that renters should spend no more than 30% of their gross (pre-tax) income on rent, renters should earn at least $66,000 annually (or about $5,500 per month) to comfortably afford a one-bedroom at the city median.
- For a 1-bedroom: $1,650 ÷ 0.3 = $5,500/month, × 12 = $66,000/year.
- For a 2-bedroom: $2,010 ÷ 0.3 = $6,700/month, × 12 = $80,400/year.
If those numbers feel steep, you’re not alone. Atlanta’s affordability has tightened, and exploring cost-saving strategies, such as renting with roommates or looking outside the city center (despite a longer commute), may help stretch your budget further. Be sure to use Zumper’s rent calculator to help you identify what you can budget for rent, while taking into account your other expenses.
When is the best time to rent in Atlanta?
Timing can make a significant difference in rent prices. According to 2025 rent-trend data:
- Highest rent month is April, when rents increase 1.7% above the yearly average.
- Lowest rent month: December, -2.5% below the yearly average.
- Most competitive month: March, where demand outpaces availability
- Least competitive month: November
If flexibility allows, renting in late fall or winter could save you around $80–$100 per month.
How does Atlanta compare to similar Southern cities?
When compared to nearby metros, Atlanta ranks in the middle. It’s costlier than Charlotte but slightly cheaper than Nashville and Asheville.
| City | Median Rent (All Apartment Sizes) | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC | $1,800 | Slightly cheaper than Atlanta (-5.6%) |
| Nashville, TN | $2,000 | Around +5% higher than Atlanta |
| Asheville, NC | $1,871 | Roughly on par (+1.5%) |
| Atlanta, GA | $1,900 | Baseline |
Overall, Atlanta remains a competitive but not bargain market within the Southeast, offering big-city amenities and strong job growth at moderate-to-high rent levels.
What is the cost of living like in Atlanta?
According to cost-of-living data, Atlanta’s overall living expenses are about 4% lower than the national average.
However, not every category is cheaper:
- Groceries: -0.9%
- Health: +7.9%
- Transportation: +0.2%
- Utilities: -0.3%
So while rent and housing costs are slightly higher than the national median, lower costs in other categories can help balance monthly budgets.
In summary: Atlanta affordability
Atlanta in 2025 is less affordable than it once was, now trending slightly above national rent levels. Still, it provides a wide range of options, from budget-friendly neighborhoods under $1,100 to luxury listings exceeding $3,000.
Whether you’re after affordability or amenities, Atlanta’s diversity of housing and lifestyle options keeps it one of the South’s most dynamic rental markets.
FAQs About Renting in Atlanta
Is Atlanta affordable for renters in 2025?
Not particularly—Atlanta’s median rent is now above the national average, though affordable pockets like Ashview Heights and Hunter Hills still exist.
How much is the average rent in Atlanta?
A one-bedroom averages $1,650, and a two-bedroom averages $2,010 as of October 2025.
What salary do I need to live in Atlanta?
You’ll need to earn around $76,000 per year to afford the median rent comfortably under the 30% rule.
Where is rent cheapest in Atlanta?
Neighborhoods like Ashview Heights ($1,025), Hunter Hills ($1,068), and Campbellton Road ($1,100) offer some of the lowest rents citywide.
Is rent going up or down in Atlanta?
Rents have risen modestly year-over-year—+1.23% for one-bedrooms, even as national averages declined slightly.
What if I can’t afford rent in Atlanta?
Consider sharing housing, exploring less central neighborhoods, or researching assistance programs through the Atlanta Housing Authority.
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