Skip to content
FiyatList Cost data

Cost of Living Data profile

Cost of Living in Atlanta: 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)

0.1% above

Cost of living in Atlanta is 0.1% above the U.S. average, based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis 2024 Regional Price Parities for the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA metro area (index 100.1; U.S. = 100). Median rent in Atlanta is $1,765 a month.

Cost of living in Atlanta by category

Overall prices

100.1U.S. = 100

Regional price parity, all items

+0.1% vs. U.S.

Goods
100.4 +0.4%
Housing (rents)
111.0 +11.0%
Utilities
96.2 −3.8%
Other services
96.7 −3.3%

BEA 2024 · Atlanta metro area Details: Overall prices

Housing

$1,765/mo

Median gross rent

+19% vs. U.S.

1-bedroom rent
$1,700 +31% vs. U.S.
2-bedroom rent
$1,922 +29% vs. U.S.
3-bedroom rent
$1,918 +14% vs. U.S.
Median home value
$462,200 +28% vs. U.S.
Owner costs, mortgage
$2,542 +25% 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
96.2

EIA July 2026 · Georgia statewide Details: Utilities

Transportation

26.5min

Mean travel time to work

About the same as U.S.

Commute mode: drove alone
56.1%
Work from home
25.6%
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

$205/wk

Center care, infant

+18% vs. U.S.

Center care, toddler
$188/wk +22% vs. U.S.
Center care, preschool
$179/wk +24% vs. U.S.
Home-based care, infant
$163/wk +14% vs. U.S.

DOL NDCP 2022 prices · Fulton County Details: Child care

Income

$88,165/yr

Median household income

+8% vs. U.S.

Median rent as share of income
24%
Home value to income
5.2×

Census ACS 2024 Details: Income

Housing costs in Atlanta

Median gross rent in Atlanta is $1,765 a month, 19% above the U.S. median of $1,487. The median falls in the $1,500–$1,999 range, which holds 31.1% of renter households paying cash rent. Another 35.3% pay $2,000 or more.

The median owner-occupied home is valued at $462,200, and 16.1% of homes are valued at $1,000,000 or more.

Housing costs: Atlanta vs. Georgia vs. U.S.

Median monthly rent

Median monthly rent Atlanta: $1,765; Georgia: $1,506; U.S.: $1,487 Atlanta $1,765 Georgia $1,506 U.S. $1,487

Monthly owner costs

Monthly owner costs Atlanta: $2,542; Georgia: $1,909; U.S.: $2,035 Atlanta $2,542 Georgia $1,909 U.S. $2,035

Median home value

Median home value Atlanta: $462,200; Georgia: $343,300; U.S.: $360,600 Atlanta $462,200 Georgia $343,300 U.S. $360,600
Show the data table
MeasureAtlantaGeorgiaU.S.
Median monthly rent$1,765$1,506$1,487
Monthly owner costs$2,542$1,909$2,035
Median home value$462,200$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 Atlanta

What renters pay in Atlanta Share of renter households paying cash rent in Atlanta by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $500, holds 7.9%; the top range, $3,500 or more, holds 3.1%. Median $1,765. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% Less than $500: 7.9% (U.S.: 6.1%) $500–$749: 3.6% (U.S.: 6.8%) $750–$999: 4.5% (U.S.: 11.5%) $1,000–$1,249: 5.3% (U.S.: 13.5%) $1,250–$1,499: 12.1% (U.S.: 12.9%) $1,500–$1,999: 31.1% (U.S.: 22.2%) $2,000–$2,499: 18.2% (U.S.: 13.2%) $2,500–$2,999: 10.4% (U.S.: 6.5%) $3,000–$3,499: 3.6% (U.S.: 3.2%) $3,500 or more: 3.1% (U.S.: 4.2%) $500–750 $1–1.25K $1.5–2K $2.5–3K $3.5K+ Median $1,765 (Atlanta) 31.1%
Show the data table
RangeAtlantaU.S.
Less than $5007.9%6.1%
$500–$7493.6%6.8%
$750–$9994.5%11.5%
$1,000–$1,2495.3%13.5%
$1,250–$1,49912.1%12.9%
$1,500–$1,99931.1%22.2%
$2,000–$2,49918.2%13.2%
$2,500–$2,99910.4%6.5%
$3,000–$3,4993.6%3.2%
$3,500 or more3.1%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 Atlanta

Home values in Atlanta Share of owner-occupied homes in Atlanta by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $100,000, holds 3.7%; the top range, $1,500,000 or more, holds 8.4%. Median $462,200. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% Less than $100,000: 3.7% (U.S.: 10.2%) $100,000–$149,999: 1.5% (U.S.: 5.7%) $150,000–$199,999: 4.4% (U.S.: 7.5%) $200,000–$249,999: 7.7% (U.S.: 8.4%) $250,000–$299,999: 7.5% (U.S.: 8.5%) $300,000–$399,999: 17.6% (U.S.: 15.9%) $400,000–$499,999: 12.3% (U.S.: 12%) $500,000–$749,999: 19.2% (U.S.: 16.3%) $750,000–$999,999: 10.1% (U.S.: 7.5%) $1,000,000–$1,499,999: 7.7% (U.S.: 4.3%) $1,500,000 or more: 8.4% (U.S.: 3.7%) <$100K $100–150K $150–200K $250–300K $400–500K $500–750K $750K–1M $1.5M+ Median $462,200 (Atlanta) 19.2%
Show the data table
RangeAtlantaU.S.
Less than $100,0003.7%10.2%
$100,000–$149,9991.5%5.7%
$150,000–$199,9994.4%7.5%
$200,000–$249,9997.7%8.4%
$250,000–$299,9997.5%8.5%
$300,000–$399,99917.6%15.9%
$400,000–$499,99912.3%12%
$500,000–$749,99919.2%16.3%
$750,000–$999,99910.1%7.5%
$1,000,000–$1,499,9997.7%4.3%
$1,500,000 or more8.4%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 Atlanta

Measure Atlanta Georgia U.S.
Median rent (all units) $1,765$1,506$1,487
1-bedroom rent $1,700$1,404$1,301
2-bedroom rent $1,922$1,459$1,490
3-bedroom rent $1,918$1,568$1,677
Owner costs with a mortgage $2,542$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 Atlanta?

At the median, rent takes about 24% of household income in Atlanta. 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 $70,600 a year.

The median home is worth $462,200, or 5.2 times the median household income.

Household income in Atlanta

The median household in Atlanta earns $88,165 a year, 8% above the U.S. median of $81,604. About 21.1% of households earn $200,000 or more, while 17.6% earn less than $25,000.

Median household income: Atlanta vs. Georgia vs. U.S.

Median household income (yearly)

Median household income (yearly) Atlanta: $88,165; Georgia: $79,991; U.S.: $81,604 Atlanta $88,165 Georgia $79,991 U.S. $81,604
Show the data table
MeasureAtlantaGeorgiaU.S.
Median household income (yearly)$88,165$79,991$81,604

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

Household income distribution in Atlanta

Household income distribution in Atlanta Share of households in Atlanta by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $10,000, holds 7.3%; the top range, $200,000 or more, holds 21.1%. Median $88,165. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $10,000: 7.3% (U.S.: 5.1%) $10,000–$14,999: 4.4% (U.S.: 3.3%) $15,000–$19,999: 3.5% (U.S.: 2.8%) $20,000–$24,999: 2.4% (U.S.: 3.2%) $25,000–$29,999: 2.6% (U.S.: 3%) $30,000–$34,999: 2.4% (U.S.: 3.3%) $35,000–$39,999: 3% (U.S.: 3.2%) $40,000–$44,999: 2.9% (U.S.: 3.5%) $45,000–$49,999: 2.5% (U.S.: 3.2%) $50,000–$59,999: 6% (U.S.: 6.4%) $60,000–$74,999: 7% (U.S.: 9.2%) $75,000–$99,999: 10.5% (U.S.: 12.6%) $100,000–$124,999: 9.2% (U.S.: 10.4%) $125,000–$149,999: 5.3% (U.S.: 7.4%) $150,000–$199,999: 9.7% (U.S.: 9.7%) $200,000 or more: 21.1% (U.S.: 13.7%) $10–15K $20–25K $30–35K $40–45K $50–60K $75–100K $125–150K $200K+ Median $88,165 (Atlanta) 21.1%
Show the data table
RangeAtlantaU.S.
Less than $10,0007.3%5.1%
$10,000–$14,9994.4%3.3%
$15,000–$19,9993.5%2.8%
$20,000–$24,9992.4%3.2%
$25,000–$29,9992.6%3%
$30,000–$34,9992.4%3.3%
$35,000–$39,9993%3.2%
$40,000–$44,9992.9%3.5%
$45,000–$49,9992.5%3.2%
$50,000–$59,9996%6.4%
$60,000–$74,9997%9.2%
$75,000–$99,99910.5%12.6%
$100,000–$124,9999.2%10.4%
$125,000–$149,9995.3%7.4%
$150,000–$199,9999.7%9.7%
$200,000 or more21.1%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 Atlanta Georgia U.S.
Median household income (yearly) $88,165$79,991$81,604
Median home value $462,200$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, the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA metro area scored 100.1 for all items. The highest category is housing rents at 111.0; the lowest is utilities at 96.2.

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

All items

All items Atlanta metro area: 100.1; Georgia: 96.3; U.S.: 100.0 Atlanta metro area 100.1 Georgia 96.3 U.S. 100.0

Goods

Goods Atlanta metro area: 100.4; Georgia: 98.9; U.S.: 99.6 Atlanta metro area 100.4 Georgia 98.9 U.S. 99.6

Housing (rents)

Housing (rents) Atlanta metro area: 111.0; Georgia: 88.7; U.S.: 100.6 Atlanta metro area 111.0 Georgia 88.7 U.S. 100.6

Utilities

Utilities Atlanta metro area: 96.2; Georgia: 92.8; U.S.: 98.4 Atlanta metro area 96.2 Georgia 92.8 U.S. 98.4

Other services

Other services Atlanta metro area: 96.7; Georgia: 97.3; U.S.: 100.1 Atlanta metro area 96.7 Georgia 97.3 U.S. 100.1
Show the data table
MeasureAtlanta metro areaGeorgiaU.S.
All items100.196.3100.0
Goods100.498.999.6
Housing (rents)111.088.7100.6
Utilities96.292.898.4
Other services96.797.3100.1

Index, U.S. = 100. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities, 2024. Metro area: Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA. 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 are reported statewide, so these are Georgia averages rather than figures for Atlanta alone.

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 Atlanta who commute spend an average of 26.5 minutes getting to work (U.S.: 27.2 minutes). The most common way to get to work is to drive alone (56.1% of workers); 25.6% 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 Atlanta: Drove alone 56.1%, Carpooled 4.7%, Public transit 5.7%, Walked 4.8%, Bicycle 0.9%, Worked from home 25.6%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 2.1%. 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 Atlanta: Drove alone. Atlanta Atlanta · Drove alone: 56.1% 56.1% Atlanta · Carpooled: 4.7% Atlanta · Public transit: 5.7% Atlanta · Walked: 4.8% Atlanta · Bicycle: 0.9% Atlanta · Worked from home: 25.6% 25.6% Atlanta · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 2.1% 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 transportationAtlantaGeorgiaU.S.
Drove alone56.1%71.4%69.2%
Carpooled4.7%9.3%9.2%
Public transit5.7%1.2%3.7%
Walked4.8%1.3%2.4%
Bicycle0.9%0.1%0.5%
Worked from home25.6%14.9%13.3%
Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.)2.1%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 Atlanta

Travel time to work in Atlanta Share of workers who do not work from home in Atlanta by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than 5 min, holds 2.1%; the top range, 90 min or more, holds 1.9%. Mean 26.5 min. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% Less than 5 min: 2.1% (U.S.: 2.8%) 5–9 min: 6.5% (U.S.: 9.4%) 10–14 min: 11.3% (U.S.: 13.1%) 15–19 min: 16.5% (U.S.: 15%) 20–24 min: 17% (U.S.: 14.1%) 25–29 min: 7.9% (U.S.: 7%) 30–34 min: 17.5% (U.S.: 13.7%) 35–39 min: 3% (U.S.: 3.4%) 40–44 min: 3.4% (U.S.: 4.1%) 45–59 min: 7.6% (U.S.: 8.3%) 60–89 min: 5.3% (U.S.: 6.3%) 90 min or more: 1.9% (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 26.5 min (Atlanta) 17.5%
Show the data table
RangeAtlantaU.S.
Less than 5 min2.1%2.8%
5–9 min6.5%9.4%
10–14 min11.3%13.1%
15–19 min16.5%15%
20–24 min17%14.1%
25–29 min7.9%7%
30–34 min17.5%13.7%
35–39 min3%3.4%
40–44 min3.4%4.1%
45–59 min7.6%8.3%
60–89 min5.3%6.3%
90 min or more1.9%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 Atlanta

In 2022, full-time center-based care for an infant had a median price of $205 a week in Fulton County, or $10,660 over 52 weeks. That is 18% above 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 Fulton County Georgia (county median) U.S. (county median)
Center-based care, infant $205$109$174
Center-based care, toddler $188$102$153
Center-based care, preschool $179$102$144
Center-based care, school-age $82$55$120
Home-based family care, infant $163$103$143
Home-based family care, toddler $153$97$132
Home-based family care, preschool $154$97$131
Home-based family care, school-age $77$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 Atlanta 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 Atlanta?

Median rent is $1,700 for a one-bedroom and $1,922 for a two-bedroom unit, including utilities the renter pays.

How much do most renters pay in Atlanta?

Among renter households paying cash rent, 16% pay less than $1,000 a month, 48.5% pay $1,000 to $1,999, and 35.3% pay $2,000 or more (Census ACS 2024).

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

To keep the median rent of $1,765 at no more than 30% of income, a household needs about $70,600 a year before taxes. This covers housing only.

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

Yes. The Bureau of Economic Analysis puts overall prices in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA metro area at 100.1 for 2024 (U.S. = 100), 0.1% above average. Housing rents score 111.0.

How long is the average commute in Atlanta?

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

How much does infant day care cost in Atlanta?

The median price for full-time center-based infant care was $205 a week in Fulton County in 2022, according to the Department of Labor's National Database of Childcare Prices.