Cost of Living in Atlanta GA, 2025: Budgeting & Moving Tips

Thinking about moving to Atlanta, Georgia, for that new job, internship, or just a fresh start? Before you pack your bags, let’s talk about what it really costs to live in this amazing city. The cost of living in Atlanta is about 4% below the national average, making it a solid choice compared to pricier spots like New York or Los Angeles.

For a single person, you’re looking at around $1,330 a month for essentials like food, transportation, and utilities (not including rent). Add in a median one-bedroom apartment at $1,498, and your total monthly budget could range from $2,500 to $3,200 to enjoy Atlanta’s mix of culture, food, and opportunity. Let’s break down the cost of living in Atlanta Georgia, share some practical tips, and explore why Atlanta could be your affordable home for chasing your dreams.

Atlanta Cost of Living Index

According to the Cost of Living Index, Atlanta scores around 100.4, which is almost on par with the U.S. average. Reports also show that overall Atlanta Georgia living expenses are about 4% lower than the national average. Housing is the biggest saver, around 13% cheaper than many U.S. cities, while utilities and transport can cost a little more. In short, living in Atlanta won’t shock your wallet, but knowing the numbers will help you plan better.

Housing: Atlanta’s housing index is 85.4, about 13–17% below the national average, driven by relatively affordable home prices and rents. The median home price is around $364,300–$430,619, and the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,498–$1,631.

Utilities: Utility costs are close to the national average, with monthly bills for an 85 m² apartment averaging around $200–$205.41, about 0–1% above the U.S. mean.

Groceries: Grocery costs are slightly higher, about 1–1.2% above the national average. Expect to pay $4.13 for a loaf of bread, $4.70 for a gallon of milk, and $4.09 for a dozen eggs.

Transportation: Transportation expenses are 1.7–2% above the national average. A monthly MARTA pass costs $95, and gas averages $3.04–$3.10 per gallon.

Healthcare: Healthcare is a notable outlier, costing 7–11.4% more than the national average. A routine doctor visit runs $127–$150, and a dental appointment averages $142.21.

Cost of Living in Atlanta: Rent & Housing Costs

Housing is usually the biggest factor when calculating the cost of living for Atlanta Georgia. On average, the Atlanta cost of living rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center ranges between $1,700–$1,900 per month, while renting outside the center is slightly cheaper at around $1,300–$1,500. If you’re eyeing a larger place or something close to major universities, expect higher prices. Overall, rent makes up a big part of the Atlanta price of living, and it can vary a lot depending on the neighborhood.

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Housing Type / Location	Average Monthly Rent (USD)
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)	$1,700 – $1,900
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)	$1,300 – $1,500
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)	$3,000 – $3,300
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)	$2,100 – $2,400
Shared Apartment / Student Housing	$800 – $1,200

Tip: Want to keep your cost of living in Atlanta Georgia, under control? Try finding affordable housing in Atlanta through amber, where you’ll find verified, budget-friendly options perfect for shared living.

Cost of Living in Atlanta: Rent by Neighborhood

When it comes to the cost of living in Atlanta Georgia USA, where you live makes a huge difference. Some areas, like Midtown or Buckhead, are pricier thanks to nightlife, shopping, and business hubs, while student-friendly spots such as Decatur or East Atlanta Village are far easier on the budget.

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Neighborhood	Vibe / Student Appeal	Average Monthly Rent (1-Bedroom)
Midtown Atlanta	Central, walkable, close to GA Tech & nightlife	$1,800 – $2,200
Buckhead	Upscale, luxury shopping & dining	$1,900 – $2,400
Downtown Atlanta	Business district, transport access, student-friendly apartments	$1,600 – $2,000
Decatur	Quieter, artsy vibe, popular with students (Emory nearby)	$1,300 – $1,600
East Atlanta Village	Trendy, budget-friendly, strong student community	$1,200 – $1,500
West End	Affordable, historic neighborhood, near MARTA	$1,100 – $1,400
Virginia-Highland	Cozy, community vibe, near parks & cafés	$1,600 – $1,900
Old Fourth Ward	Hip, walkable, BeltLine access, student crowd	$1,500 – $1,800

Tip: If you’re a student or young professional, exploring shared housing or co-living options in the best neighborhoods in Atlanta can cut down your average cost of living in Atlanta significantly.

Cheap Apartments for Rent in Atlanta

If you are wondering where to find the best apartments in Atlanta that are budget-friendly but you don’t want to compromise on quality, amber is here to help. Here are some of the best and affordable options for housing in Atlanta, with rents ranging from $155 per week to $1000 per month:

1. Room in a 8 Bedroom Apartment, GA 30349
2. Room in a 9 Bedroom Apartment, GA 30035 (1669)
3. 200 Edgewood
4. The Mix
5. The Connector

Cost of Living in Atlanta: Utilities

Utilities are the often-overlooked part of your budget, but they play a big role in the Atlanta average cost of living. On average, you can expect to pay between $180–$220 per month for basic bills like electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage disposal.

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Utility Category	Average Monthly Cost (USD)
Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage	$180 – $220
Internet (60 Mbps, Unlimited Data)	$60 – $80
Mobile Phone Plan	$40 – $70
Streaming Subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify, etc.)	$25 – $50

If you’re renting a bigger apartment or using a lot of air conditioning during Georgia’s hot summers, this can run higher. Internet services typically cost around $60–$80 per month, depending on the provider and speed.

Cost of Living in Atlanta: Transportation

Transportation plays a big role in shaping the average cost of living in Atlanta GA. Students and professionals mostly rely on MARTA, the city’s bus and rail system, with a monthly pass costing around $70–$95. Single rides are $2.50, making it budget-friendly for daily commutes. For those driving, gas prices average $3.30–$3.70 per gallon, plus parking fees in central areas.

Atlanta is home to major universities like Georgia State University, Georgia Tech, and Emory University, all well-connected by MARTA routes and shuttles. Living near these campuses often means shorter commutes and lower transport costs, which directly impacts the cost of living in Atlanta per month.

University Commute Guide in Atlanta

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University	Nearest MARTA Station / Bus Stop	Typical Commute Options	Avg. Monthly Transport Cost (USD)
Georgia State University (Downtown)	Five Points / Georgia State MARTA	Walkable, Bus, Rail	$70 – $90
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) (Midtown)	North Avenue / Midtown MARTA	Tech Trolley (free shuttle), Rail	$60 – $85
Emory University (Decatur)	Decatur MARTA (bus connection to campus)	Bus + Emory Shuttle (free)	$70 – $100
Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College & Morehouse College (West End)	West End MARTA	Bus, Rail, Walking	$65 – $90
Oglethorpe University (Brookhaven)	Brookhaven MARTA	Rail + short bus/taxi ride	$80 – $110

On average, students spend $70–$150 per month on transportation, depending on whether they use MARTA passes, campus shuttles, or a personal car. This makes transport a manageable part of the cost of living in Atlanta per month.

Cost of Living in Atlanta: Health & Insurance

Healthcare is another expense to factor in when calculating the cost of living in Atlanta. Doctor’s visits typically range from $100–$150 without insurance, while a standard health insurance plan can cost around $350–$500 per month for an individual. Students often get access to discounted or university-sponsored health plans, which helps lower overall expenses. Prescription medications and routine check-ups add a bit more, but having insurance is key to avoiding high out-of-pocket costs. Overall, healthcare and insurance can add a significant chunk to the cost of living in Atlanta Georgia, so it’s smart to compare plans early, especially if you’re an international student.

Cost of Living in Atlanta: Food & Grocery Expenses

Food is another major part of Atlanta living expenses, and it varies a lot depending on whether you cook at home or eat out. On average, a single person spends $300–$450 per month on groceries in Atlanta. Shopping at affordable chains like Kroger, Aldi, or Walmart helps students and young professionals keep living expenses in Atlanta Georgia under control.

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Category	Average Cost (USD)
Monthly Groceries (Single)	$300 – $450
Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant	$18 – $20
Mid-Range Restaurant (2 people)	$60 – $80
Fast Food Combo	$9 – $11
Coffee (Cappuccino)	$5 – $6
Milk (1 liter)	$1.30 – $1.50
Bread (500g loaf)	$3.00 – $3.50
Rice (1kg)	$4 – $5
Chicken (1kg)	$10 – $12
Eggs (12)	$3 – $4
Apples (1kg)	$5 – $6
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	$2 – $2.50

On average, students cooking at home can keep monthly food spending closer to $300, while those eating out regularly will see their Atlanta living expenses rise toward the $450+ range.

Cost of Living in Atlanta: Entertainment & Leisure

Entertainment in Atlanta isn’t just about going out; it’s a huge part of your lifestyle and, therefore, your budget. On average, young professionals and students spend $150–$350 per month on leisure activities, which adds a noticeable layer to the cost of living in Atlanta USA.

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Neighborhood	Vibe & Leisure Options	Examples of Activities	Avg. Monthly Spend (USD)
Midtown	Central, energetic, student-friendly	Fox Theatre shows, Atlanta Hawks/United games, BeltLine bars	$200 – $300
Buckhead	Upscale, high-energy nightlife	Luxury clubs, rooftop dining, designer shopping	$250 – $350
Decatur	Quieter, artsy, local	Indie cinemas, art galleries, casual cafés	$150 – $220
East Atlanta Village	Trendy, budget-friendly	Dive bars, live bands, food trucks	$120 – $180
Old Fourth Ward	Hip, creative, young crowd	Breweries, BeltLine festivals, street markets	$180 – $250
West End	Affordable, historic	Local cafés, cultural centers, and community events	$100 – $150

Tip: Where you live has a big impact on how much you’ll actually spend. For example, grabbing a drink in Buckhead can cost almost double what you’d pay in East Atlanta Village. Budget-conscious students often lean on free university events, concerts at Centennial Olympic Park, or student discounts at museums and theaters to keep their Atlanta Georgia living expenses manageable.

Cost of Living in Atlanta: Miscellaneous Expenses

Beyond rent, food, and transport, day-to-day extras also shape the cost of living in Atlanta. From clothing and personal care to entertainment subscriptions, these smaller costs can add up quickly if not planned for. Setting aside $100–$200/month for miscellaneous expenses helps keep your budget balanced.

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Category	Average Cost (USD)
Pair of Jeans (Levi’s or similar)	$55 – $70
Summer Dress (High Street Brand)	$40 – $55
Running Shoes (Nike/Adidas)	$80 – $100
Men’s Business Shoes	$110 – $140
Haircut (Basic, Salon)	$25 – $40
Hair Styling / Women’s Salon Visit	$70 – $120
Gym Membership (Monthly)	$35 – $60
Cinema Ticket	$13 – $15
Fast Fashion Shopping Spree (per trip)	$100 – $150

Is Moving to Atlanta Worth it?

Absolutely. Moving to Atlanta is worth it if you want a balance of affordability and opportunity. The city is home to major universities like Georgia Tech, Emory, and Georgia State, plus big employers in tech, film, and finance. The cost of living in Atlanta USA is around the national average, with housing being cheaper than in many other large metros. This makes it easier for students and professionals to enjoy city life, whether it’s concerts, sports, or food, without draining their savings. If you want city energy without New York or San Francisco price tags, Atlanta delivers.

What is the Biggest Problem Faced While Moving to Atlanta?

One of the biggest hurdles is dealing with housing and transportation. While the city has plenty of rental options, popular neighborhoods like Midtown or Buckhead can quickly increase Atlanta Georgia living expenses. On top of that, traffic congestion is a daily reality, and commuting times can stretch if you live far from school or work. For students, picking housing near MARTA routes or close to campus helps keep Atlanta living expenses and commute stress manageable. It’s all about location and planning ahead.

Is it Better to Buy or Rent an Apartment in Atlanta?

For most newcomers, especially students and young professionals, renting is the better option. Buying in Atlanta has become more expensive as property values rise, and it often requires a big upfront investment. Renting gives flexibility, especially if you’re not planning to stay long-term. With the cost of living in Atlanta USA, already centered on housing, renting helps you manage your monthly budget more easily. Many students and first-time movers use rental platforms like amber to find affordable, verified housing, which keeps Atlanta living expenses predictable while still enjoying the city lifestyle.

Cost of Living in Atlanta vs Other Georgia Cities

While the Atlanta average cost of living sits close to the U.S. average, it’s still higher than most other cities in Georgia. Here’s a breakdown of monthly living costs to give you perspective:

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City (Georgia)	Avg. Rent (1-Bedroom, City Center)	Utilities (Monthly)	Transport (Monthly Pass / Avg Costs)	Total Avg. Monthly Expenses (Single)
Atlanta	$1,700 – $1,900	$180 – $220	$70 – $95 (MARTA)	$2,500 – $3,200
Savannah	$1,300 – $1,600	$170 – $200	$50 – $70	$2,000 – $2,600
Athens (UGA)	$1,100 – $1,400	$150 – $190	$45 – $65	$1,800 – $2,300
Augusta	$1,000 – $1,300	$150 – $180	$45 – $65	$1,700 – $2,200
Macon	$900 – $1,200	$140 – $170	$40 – $60	$1,600 – $2,100
Columbus	$950 – $1,200	$140 – $170	$40 – $60	$1,600 – $2,000

To wrap it up, the cost of living in Atlanta is all about balance. Housing is your biggest expense, with neighborhoods like Midtown and Buckhead on the higher side, while areas such as Decatur or East Atlanta Village keep things more affordable. Add in utilities, transport, food, health, and leisure, and the average cost of living in Atlanta Georgia comes to around $2,500–$3,200 per month for a single person. It’s not the cheapest city in the U.S., but it’s far from the most expensive, offering big-city opportunities without the extreme price tag of places like New York or San Francisco.

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