Cost of Living Comparison for Atlanta, GA
Updated 2026 · Local data pre-filled
Atlanta's cost of living index is 113 — 13% more expensive than the national average. This factors in housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Use this calculator to see how your purchasing power would change if you moved to another city.
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How Atlanta Compares to the National Average
Understanding how Atlanta stacks up helps you calibrate your financial planning.
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $385,000 | $420,800 | -8.5% |
| Median Monthly Rent | $1,576 | $1,713 | -8.0% |
| Median Household Income | $71,400 | $74,580 | -4.3% |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.92% | 1.10% | -16.4% |
| Cost of Living Index | 113 | 100 | +13.0% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, NAR (2024–2025). Green = favorable for residents; red = less favorable.
Atlanta Financial Snapshot
- Population (Metro)
- 6,230,000
- Unemployment
- 3.7%
- Avg Commute
- 31 min
- Median Age
- 34.8
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 20.4x
- Annual Property Tax
- $3,542
Frequently Asked Questions — Atlanta
What is the median home price in Atlanta, GA?
The median home price in Atlanta is $385,000 as of 2025–2026. This is below the national median of $420,800.
What is the average rent in Atlanta?
Median monthly rent in Atlanta is $1,576. That works out to $18,912/year, or 26% of the median household income — within the commonly recommended 30% of income guideline.
Is Atlanta affordable?
Atlanta's cost of living index is 113 vs. the national average of 100. With a median household income of $71,400/year and a median home price of $385,000, the price-to-income ratio is 5.4x. Atlanta falls in the middle of the affordability spectrum for US cities.
What is the property tax rate in Atlanta?
The effective property tax rate in Atlanta is 0.92% of assessed value. On the median home of $385,000, that's roughly $3,542/year ($295/month).