Cost of Living in Atlanta

Atlanta has an overall cost-of-living index of 105.2 (national average = 100). This is higher than the Georgia statewide average of 92.2. Median home prices are $380,000 and average 2BR rent is $1,700/month.

Atlanta is near the national average with an index of 105.2.

Average 2-bedroom rent in Atlanta is $1,700/month, compared to the national average of $1,400/month and the Georgia statewide average of $1,116/month.

Groceries in Atlanta have an index of 100 (national average = 100). A typical monthly grocery basket costs about $410 compared to the national average of $410. A dozen eggs costs around $4.95.

Center-based infant childcare in Atlanta averages $13,500/year ($1,125/month). This is near the national average of $13,500/year. Data from Child Care Aware of America (2024).

Atlanta's housing index is 112 vs the Georgia statewide average of 79.7. Median home prices are $380,000 in Atlanta vs $310,000 statewide, and 2BR rent averages $1,700/month vs $1,116/month statewide.

Atlanta's transportation cost index is 100.5 (national average = 100). Regular gas averages $3.32/gallon. Transportation costs are near the national average.

Atlanta's utility cost index is 100.6 (national average = 100). The estimated average monthly electric bill is $101, compared to the national average of $137/month and the Georgia statewide average of $101/month. Utility rates are based on EIA 2024 residential electricity data.

A $75,000 salary at the national average cost of living is equivalent to $78,900 in Atlanta. Your money goes about as far or further than the national average.

Based on Atlanta's cost-of-living index of 105.2, a single adult needs approximately $52,600–$62,600/year to cover basic expenses (housing, food, transportation, healthcare). For a family of four, roughly double that. These estimates scale the national baseline by Atlanta's local costs — actual needs vary by household size and lifestyle.

Metro-level data combines BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), C2ER COLI metro indices (2025), Zillow ZHVI/ZORI metro data (2024-2025), and state-level data from MERIC, AAA, EIA, and Child Care Aware.