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Cost of Living Data profile

Cost of Living in Georgia: Rent, Housing & Income

  • Official data · Census ACS 2024 · BEA 2024 · EIA July–September 2026
Updated  7 sources

Cost of living vs. U.S. average (2024)

3.7% below

Cost of living in Georgia is 3.7% below the U.S. average, based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis 2024 Regional Price Parities for Georgia (index 96.3; U.S. = 100). Median rent in Georgia is $1,506 a month.

Cost of living in Georgia by category

Overall prices

96.3U.S. = 100

Regional price parity, all items

−3.7% vs. U.S.

Goods
98.9 −1.1%
Housing (rents)
88.7 −11.3%
Utilities
92.8 −7.2%
Other services
97.3 −2.7%

BEA 2024 · Georgia Details: Overall prices

Housing

$1,506/mo

Median gross rent

About the same as U.S.

1-bedroom rent
$1,404 +8% vs. U.S.
2-bedroom rent
$1,459 About the same as U.S.
3-bedroom rent
$1,568 −6% vs. U.S.
Median home value
$343,300 −5% vs. U.S.
Owner costs, mortgage
$1,909 −6% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 Details: Housing

Utilities

$162/mo

Average electric bill

+3% vs. U.S.

Electricity price
16.3¢/kWh −11% vs. U.S.
Natural gas, 12-mo avg.
$28.14/Mcf +45% vs. U.S.
Utilities price index
92.8

EIA July 2026 · Georgia Details: Utilities

Transportation

29.4min

Mean travel time to work

+8% vs. U.S.

Commute mode: drove alone
71.4%
Work from home
14.9%
Gasoline (PADD 1C avg.)
$4.07/gal −7% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 · EIA September 2026 Details: Transportation

Food at home

$1,388/mo

Moderate-cost plan, family of 4

Thrifty plan, family of 4
$1,024/mo
Liberal plan, family of 4
$1,679/mo
Moderate plan, single woman
$403/mo
Moderate plan, single man
$478/mo

USDA August 2026 · U.S. average Details: Food at home

Child care

$109/wk

Center care, infant

−37% vs. U.S.

Center care, toddler
$102/wk −34% vs. U.S.
Center care, preschool
$102/wk −29% vs. U.S.
Home-based care, infant
$103/wk −28% vs. U.S.

DOL NDCP 2022 prices · Georgia county median Details: Child care

Income

$79,991/yr

Median household income

About the same as U.S.

Median rent as share of income
23%
Home value to income
4.3×

Census ACS 2024 Details: Income

Housing costs in Georgia

Median gross rent in Georgia is $1,506 a month, about the same as the U.S. median of $1,487. The median falls in the $1,500–$1,999 range, which holds 27.1% of renter households paying cash rent. Another 23.2% pay $2,000 or more.

The median owner-occupied home is valued at $343,300, and 4.3% of homes are valued at $1,000,000 or more.

Housing costs: Georgia vs. U.S.

Median monthly rent

Median monthly rent Georgia: $1,506; U.S.: $1,487 Georgia $1,506 U.S. $1,487

Monthly owner costs

Monthly owner costs Georgia: $1,909; U.S.: $2,035 Georgia $1,909 U.S. $2,035

Median home value

Median home value Georgia: $343,300; U.S.: $360,600 Georgia $343,300 U.S. $360,600
Show the data table
MeasureGeorgiaU.S.
Median monthly rent$1,506$1,487
Monthly owner costs$1,909$2,035
Median home value$343,300$360,600

Rent is median gross rent; owner costs are for homes with a mortgage. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

What renters pay in Georgia

What renters pay in Georgia Share of renter households paying cash rent in Georgia by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $500, holds 5.9%; the top range, $3,500 or more, holds 1.6%. Median $1,506. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $500: 5.9% (U.S.: 6.1%) $500–$749: 7.4% (U.S.: 6.8%) $750–$999: 10.5% (U.S.: 11.5%) $1,000–$1,249: 12.4% (U.S.: 13.5%) $1,250–$1,499: 13.4% (U.S.: 12.9%) $1,500–$1,999: 27.1% (U.S.: 22.2%) $2,000–$2,499: 14.2% (U.S.: 13.2%) $2,500–$2,999: 5.4% (U.S.: 6.5%) $3,000–$3,499: 2% (U.S.: 3.2%) $3,500 or more: 1.6% (U.S.: 4.2%) $500–750 $1–1.25K $1.5–2K $2.5–3K $3.5K+ Median $1,506 (Georgia) 27.1%
Show the data table
RangeGeorgiaU.S.
Less than $5005.9%6.1%
$500–$7497.4%6.8%
$750–$99910.5%11.5%
$1,000–$1,24912.4%13.5%
$1,250–$1,49913.4%12.9%
$1,500–$1,99927.1%22.2%
$2,000–$2,49914.2%13.2%
$2,500–$2,9995.4%6.5%
$3,000–$3,4992%3.2%
$3,500 or more1.6%4.2%

Share of renter households paying cash rent. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25063. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Home values in Georgia

Home values in Georgia Share of owner-occupied homes in Georgia by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $100,000, holds 11%; the top range, $1,500,000 or more, holds 1.8%. Median $343,300. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $100,000: 11% (U.S.: 10.2%) $100,000–$149,999: 4.5% (U.S.: 5.7%) $150,000–$199,999: 6.5% (U.S.: 7.5%) $200,000–$249,999: 9.1% (U.S.: 8.4%) $250,000–$299,999: 10% (U.S.: 8.5%) $300,000–$399,999: 20.4% (U.S.: 15.9%) $400,000–$499,999: 13.2% (U.S.: 12%) $500,000–$749,999: 15.3% (U.S.: 16.3%) $750,000–$999,999: 5.6% (U.S.: 7.5%) $1,000,000–$1,499,999: 2.5% (U.S.: 4.3%) $1,500,000 or more: 1.8% (U.S.: 3.7%) <$100K $100–150K $150–200K $250–300K $400–500K $500–750K $750K–1M $1.5M+ Median $343,300 (Georgia) 20.4%
Show the data table
RangeGeorgiaU.S.
Less than $100,00011%10.2%
$100,000–$149,9994.5%5.7%
$150,000–$199,9996.5%7.5%
$200,000–$249,9999.1%8.4%
$250,000–$299,99910%8.5%
$300,000–$399,99920.4%15.9%
$400,000–$499,99913.2%12%
$500,000–$749,99915.3%16.3%
$750,000–$999,9995.6%7.5%
$1,000,000–$1,499,9992.5%4.3%
$1,500,000 or more1.8%3.7%

Share of owner-occupied homes. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25075. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Monthly housing costs in Georgia

Measure Georgia U.S.
Median rent (all units) $1,506$1,487
1-bedroom rent $1,404$1,301
2-bedroom rent $1,459$1,490
3-bedroom rent $1,568$1,677
Owner costs with a mortgage $1,909$2,035

Median gross rent includes utilities the renter pays. Owner costs include the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

How affordable is Georgia?

At the median, rent takes about 23% of household income in Georgia. Housing experts treat 30% as the limit before a household is considered cost-burdened. To keep the median rent at 30% of income, a household would need to earn about $60,200 a year.

The median home is worth $343,300, or 4.3 times the median household income.

Household income in Georgia

The median household in Georgia earns $79,991 a year, about the same as the U.S. median of $81,604. About 12.3% of households earn $200,000 or more, while 14.7% earn less than $25,000.

Median household income: Georgia vs. U.S.

Median household income (yearly)

Median household income (yearly) Georgia: $79,991; U.S.: $81,604 Georgia $79,991 U.S. $81,604
Show the data table
MeasureGeorgiaU.S.
Median household income (yearly)$79,991$81,604

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Household income distribution in Georgia

Household income distribution in Georgia Share of households in Georgia by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $10,000, holds 5.5%; the top range, $200,000 or more, holds 12.3%. Median $79,991. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% Less than $10,000: 5.5% (U.S.: 5.1%) $10,000–$14,999: 3.2% (U.S.: 3.3%) $15,000–$19,999: 2.8% (U.S.: 2.8%) $20,000–$24,999: 3.2% (U.S.: 3.2%) $25,000–$29,999: 2.9% (U.S.: 3%) $30,000–$34,999: 3.4% (U.S.: 3.3%) $35,000–$39,999: 3.4% (U.S.: 3.2%) $40,000–$44,999: 3.6% (U.S.: 3.5%) $45,000–$49,999: 3.2% (U.S.: 3.2%) $50,000–$59,999: 6.8% (U.S.: 6.4%) $60,000–$74,999: 9.1% (U.S.: 9.2%) $75,000–$99,999: 13.2% (U.S.: 12.6%) $100,000–$124,999: 10.4% (U.S.: 10.4%) $125,000–$149,999: 7.3% (U.S.: 7.4%) $150,000–$199,999: 9.5% (U.S.: 9.7%) $200,000 or more: 12.3% (U.S.: 13.7%) $10–15K $20–25K $30–35K $40–45K $50–60K $75–100K $125–150K $200K+ Median $79,991 (Georgia) 13.2%
Show the data table
RangeGeorgiaU.S.
Less than $10,0005.5%5.1%
$10,000–$14,9993.2%3.3%
$15,000–$19,9992.8%2.8%
$20,000–$24,9993.2%3.2%
$25,000–$29,9992.9%3%
$30,000–$34,9993.4%3.3%
$35,000–$39,9993.4%3.2%
$40,000–$44,9993.6%3.5%
$45,000–$49,9993.2%3.2%
$50,000–$59,9996.8%6.4%
$60,000–$74,9999.1%9.2%
$75,000–$99,99913.2%12.6%
$100,000–$124,99910.4%10.4%
$125,000–$149,9997.3%7.4%
$150,000–$199,9999.5%9.7%
$200,000 or more12.3%13.7%

Share of households. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B19001. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Income and home values

Measure Georgia U.S.
Median household income (yearly) $79,991$81,604
Median home value $343,300$360,600

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Price levels compared with the U.S.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis publishes Regional Price Parities: price levels for the same basket of goods and services, with the U.S. average set to 100. In 2024, Georgia scored 96.3 for all items. The highest category is goods at 98.9; the lowest is housing rents at 88.7.

Regional price parities by category (U.S. = 100)

All items

All items Georgia: 96.3; U.S.: 100.0 Georgia 96.3 U.S. 100.0

Goods

Goods Georgia: 98.9; U.S.: 99.6 Georgia 98.9 U.S. 99.6

Housing (rents)

Housing (rents) Georgia: 88.7; U.S.: 100.6 Georgia 88.7 U.S. 100.6

Utilities

Utilities Georgia: 92.8; U.S.: 98.4 Georgia 92.8 U.S. 98.4

Other services

Other services Georgia: 97.3; U.S.: 100.1 Georgia 97.3 U.S. 100.1
Show the data table
MeasureGeorgiaU.S.
All items96.3100.0
Goods98.999.6
Housing (rents)88.7100.6
Utilities92.898.4
Other services97.3100.1

Index, U.S. = 100. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities, 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities

Utilities and energy costs

Households in Georgia paid an average of 16.3¢ per kWh for electricity in July 2026, compared with 18.3¢ nationally. Over the past 12 months the average residential bill was $162 a month (U.S.: $157). Residential natural gas averaged $28.14 per thousand cubic feet over the 12 months to July 2026 (U.S.: $19.40).

Energy prices: Georgia vs. U.S.

Electricity price (¢/kWh)

Electricity price (¢/kWh) Georgia: 16.3¢; U.S.: 18.3¢ Georgia 16.3¢ U.S. 18.3¢

Average electric bill (monthly)

Average electric bill (monthly) Georgia: $162; U.S.: $157 Georgia $162 U.S. $157

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf) Georgia: $28.14; U.S.: $19.40 Georgia $28.14 U.S. $19.40
Show the data table
MeasureGeorgiaU.S.
Electricity price (¢/kWh)16.3¢18.3¢
Average electric bill (monthly)$162$157
Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)$28.14$19.40

Residential customers. Electricity price for July 2026; electric bill and natural gas are 12-month averages. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Sources: EIA Electric Power Monthly: residential retail sales; EIA Natural Gas Monthly: price delivered to residential consumers

Transportation and commuting

Workers in Georgia who commute spend an average of 29.4 minutes getting to work (U.S.: 27.2 minutes). The most common way to get to work is to drive alone (71.4% of workers); 14.9% work from home. Gasoline in the Lower Atlantic region (PADD 1C), which includes Georgia, averaged $4.07 a gallon for regular in September 2026, compared with $4.36 nationally. EIA publishes no separate Georgia price.

How workers get to work

How workers get to work Georgia: Drove alone 71.4%, Carpooled 9.3%, Public transit 1.2%, Walked 1.3%, Bicycle 0.1%, Worked from home 14.9%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.8%. U.S.: Drove alone 69.2%, Carpooled 9.2%, Public transit 3.7%, Walked 2.4%, Bicycle 0.5%, Worked from home 13.3%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.7%. Most common in Georgia: Drove alone. Georgia Georgia · Drove alone: 71.4% 71.4% Georgia · Carpooled: 9.3% Georgia · Public transit: 1.2% Georgia · Walked: 1.3% Georgia · Bicycle: 0.1% Georgia · Worked from home: 14.9% 14.9% Georgia · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.8% U.S. U.S. · Drove alone: 69.2% 69.2% U.S. · Carpooled: 9.2% U.S. · Public transit: 3.7% U.S. · Walked: 2.4% U.S. · Bicycle: 0.5% U.S. · Worked from home: 13.3% 13.3% U.S. · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.7%
Show the data table
Means of transportationGeorgiaU.S.
Drove alone71.4%69.2%
Carpooled9.3%9.2%
Public transit1.2%3.7%
Walked1.3%2.4%
Bicycle0.1%0.5%
Worked from home14.9%13.3%
Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.)1.8%1.7%

Share of workers 16 and over. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08301. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Travel time to work in Georgia

Travel time to work in Georgia Share of workers who do not work from home in Georgia by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than 5 min, holds 2.1%; the top range, 90 min or more, holds 3.3%. Mean 29.4 min. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% Less than 5 min: 2.1% (U.S.: 2.8%) 5–9 min: 7.6% (U.S.: 9.4%) 10–14 min: 11.4% (U.S.: 13.1%) 15–19 min: 14.2% (U.S.: 15%) 20–24 min: 13.5% (U.S.: 14.1%) 25–29 min: 6.9% (U.S.: 7%) 30–34 min: 14.6% (U.S.: 13.7%) 35–39 min: 3.6% (U.S.: 3.4%) 40–44 min: 4.7% (U.S.: 4.1%) 45–59 min: 10% (U.S.: 8.3%) 60–89 min: 8% (U.S.: 6.3%) 90 min or more: 3.3% (U.S.: 3%) <5 5–9 10–14 15–19 20–24 25–29 30–34 35–39 40–44 45–59 60–89 90+ Mean 29.4 min (Georgia) 14.6%
Show the data table
RangeGeorgiaU.S.
Less than 5 min2.1%2.8%
5–9 min7.6%9.4%
10–14 min11.4%13.1%
15–19 min14.2%15%
20–24 min13.5%14.1%
25–29 min6.9%7%
30–34 min14.6%13.7%
35–39 min3.6%3.4%
40–44 min4.7%4.1%
45–59 min10%8.3%
60–89 min8%6.3%
90 min or more3.3%3%

Share of workers who do not work from home. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08303. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Child care costs in Georgia

In 2022, full-time center-based care for an infant had a median price of $109 a week in the median Georgia county, or $5,642 over 52 weeks. That is 37% below the U.S. county median of $174. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation.

Weekly child care prices (2022)

Type of care Georgia (county median) U.S. (county median)
Center-based care, infant $109$174
Center-based care, toddler $102$153
Center-based care, preschool $102$144
Center-based care, school-age $55$120
Home-based family care, infant $103$143
Home-based family care, toddler $97$132
Home-based family care, preschool $97$131
Home-based family care, school-age $45$118

Median weekly price for full-time care. State and U.S. figures are medians of county medians. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation. U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices. Source: National Database of Childcare Prices (U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau)

Food costs

USDA's moderate-cost food plan puts groceries for a family of four at $1,388 a month in August 2026; the thrifty plan comes to $1,024. USDA publishes these as national averages, not city figures, so they show a typical grocery budget rather than Georgia prices.

Monthly cost of food at home (August 2026)

USDA food plan U.S. family of 4 U.S. couple U.S. single man U.S. single woman
Thrifty $1,024$630$383$304
Low-cost $1,126$652$381$331
Moderate-cost $1,388$808$478$403
Liberal $1,679$1,007$583$515

Family of 4: two adults and two children aged 6–8 and 9–11. For a single man, the Thrifty plan costs more than the Low-cost plan: USDA re-evaluated the Thrifty plan in 2021, while the other plans still use older market baskets. USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Official Food Plans, August 2026. Source: USDA Food Plans: Cost of Food at Home (monthly reports)

Frequently asked questions

What is the average rent in Georgia?

Median rent is $1,404 for a one-bedroom and $1,459 for a two-bedroom unit, including utilities the renter pays.

How much do most renters pay in Georgia?

Among renter households paying cash rent, 23.8% pay less than $1,000 a month, 52.9% pay $1,000 to $1,999, and 23.2% pay $2,000 or more (Census ACS 2024).

How much do you need to make to live in Georgia?

To keep the median rent of $1,506 at no more than 30% of income, a household needs about $60,200 a year before taxes. This covers housing only.

Is Georgia more expensive than the U.S. average?

No. The Bureau of Economic Analysis puts overall prices in Georgia at 96.3 for 2024 (U.S. = 100), 3.7% below average. Housing rents score 88.7.

How long is the average commute in Georgia?

29.4 minutes one way for workers who commute, compared with 27.2 minutes nationally (Census ACS 2024).

How much does infant day care cost in Georgia?

The median price for full-time center-based infant care was $109 a week in the median Georgia county in 2022, according to the Department of Labor's National Database of Childcare Prices.