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Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA

Cost of living in Atlanta, Georgia

Fulton County, GA

Part of the Atlanta Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$3,980/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 1,068,507 · Last updated May 24, 2026

Atlanta has established itself as the business capital of the Southeast, offering the reach of a major metro while remaining more affordable than comparable cities on the coasts. A single person spends approximately $3,980 per month in Fulton County. Housing is reasonable for a city of Atlanta's stature, with a one-bedroom apartment averaging $1,653 per month, a two-bedroom at $1,830, and the average home value near $431,200.

The typical household earns about $91,490 per year, a healthy figure supported by a deep base of corporate headquarters, logistics operations, film production, and a growing technology sector. Georgia applies a flat 5.49% state income tax and a moderate combined sales tax of 7.38%, keeping the overall tax burden in a middle range. Atlanta has leaned strongly into flexible work, with roughly 26.1% of residents working from home, while public transportation carries about 4.4% of commuters.

The data shows a major city that balances scale and cost unusually well, giving residents access to a large economy without the housing prices of the coasts. Explore the wider Atlanta Metro Area, browse other counties across Georgia, or compare Atlanta with another city using our comparison tool.

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $1,653 42%
Federal tax $756 19%
Healthcare $480 12%
Groceries $324 8%
State tax $257 6%
Transport $250 6%
Energy $205 5%
Water $55 1%

Rent in Atlanta

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$1,591
per month
1 bedroom
$1,653
per month
2 bedroom
$1,830
per month
3 bedroom
$2,205
per month
4 bedroom
$2,653
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Atlanta

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$91,490
per year
Individual earnings
$56,269
per year
Per capita
$61,438
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Atlanta

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$431,200
Annual property tax
$3,847

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Atlanta

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$163
per month · 14.8¢/kWh
Natural gas
$42
per month
Annual total
$2,460
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Atlanta

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
9.7%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Atlanta

State and local tax rates for Georgia.

State income tax
5.5%
Flat rate
State sales tax
4.0%
Combined sales tax
7.4%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Atlanta

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
28.0 min
Drive alone
58.9%
Public transit
4.4%
Work from home
26.1%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Atlanta

What it costs to live in Atlanta each month.

Single person
$3,980
per month
  • Rent $1,653
  • Energy $205
  • Water $55
  • Groceries $324
  • Transport $250
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $756
  • State tax $257
Couple
$5,478
per month
  • Rent $1,830
  • Energy $246
  • Water $65
  • Groceries $537
  • Transport $350
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $1,167
  • State tax $419
Family
$7,989
per month
  • Rent $2,205
  • Energy $308
  • Water $75
  • Groceries $815
  • Transport $450
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $1,167
  • State tax $419

Frequently asked questions about Atlanta

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Atlanta?

In Atlanta, Georgia, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,653 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,830 per month, a three-bedroom averages $2,205 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Atlanta?

In Atlanta, Georgia, the average household income is $91,490 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $56,269 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Atlanta?

The estimated cost of living in Atlanta, Georgia is approximately $3,980 per month for a single person, $5,478 for a couple, $7,989 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Atlanta?

The combined sales tax rate in Atlanta, Georgia is 7.38%, which includes the Georgia state rate of 4.00% plus an average local rate of 3.38%.

Is Atlanta an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Atlanta, Georgia would need approximately $3,980 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $91,490 per year ($7,624 per month). Atlanta has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Atlanta?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Atlanta, Georgia is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 9.7% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Atlanta?

The average home value in Atlanta, Georgia is $431,200, with average annual property taxes of $3,847, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Atlanta compare to other areas?

You can compare Atlanta, Georgia with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Atlanta is in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA metro area.

Other counties in Georgia

Browse the full list of counties in Georgia, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in Georgia

Compare Atlanta with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources