Cost of living in Atlanta
Atlanta, the bustling capital of Georgia, is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and economic opportunities. Understanding the cost of living in this dynamic city is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect in Atlanta, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $23.5 on average, with a range between $13.92 and $36.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $90, with prices ranging from $60 to $150.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12, with a range between $10 and $12.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3.25 to $8, imported beer $6.5 to $11, cappuccino $4 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.69 and $1.5 per liter, averaging $1.13.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.19 and $6.61, with an average price of $3.89.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2 to $5, averaging $3.81.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $3.31 to $8.82 per kg, while oranges range from $2.87 to $8.82 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.3 and $8.82 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.6 to $3 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2.5 and $3.5, with a monthly pass priced between $90 and $100.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.78 and $1.01 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.5, with a cost of $1.2 to $2.49 per km and $21.5 to $27 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1500 to $2500, averaging $1904.8.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1100 to $1800, averaging $1517.18.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2500 to $4400, averaging $3210.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1900 to $2900, averaging $2327.5.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $2421.88 to $4897.58, averaging $3034.7.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $2110 to $3229.17, averaging $2444.82.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $135 and $350, averaging $204.89.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $100, with an average cost of $68.43.
Cost of Living Rankings
Atlanta ranks 15th on the Cost of Living rankings in United States. The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Atlanta offers a diverse range of living costs, with dining and housing being significant expenses. The city provides various options for both affordable and upscale living.
Transportation costs are moderate, with public transport and fuel prices being relatively reasonable. Housing costs vary significantly depending on the location, with city centre apartments being more expensive.
Grocery prices in Atlanta are comparable to other major cities, with a wide range of options available for different budgets.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Atlanta presents a vibrant lifestyle with a cost of living that reflects its status as a major urban center. While some expenses like dining and housing can be high, the city offers a range of options to suit different financial situations.
Prospective residents should consider their lifestyle preferences and budget constraints when planning a move to Atlanta. With careful planning, living in Atlanta can be both enjoyable and financially manageable.