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 MealA 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

MilkMilk 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 FaresTaxi 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.
InternetInternet services range from $50 to $100, with an average cost of $68.43.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 209 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.

Restaurants

Avg / Range

Restaurants

Avg

Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

$23.50

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

$90.00

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

$12.00

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.00

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$8.00

Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.57

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.11

Cappuccino (regular)

$5.08

Markets

Avg / Range

Markets

Avg

Range

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

$1.13

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

$3.89

Eggs (regular) (12)

$3.81

Local Cheese (1kg)

$15.44

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.59

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

$15.00

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$3.62

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.25

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

$8.30

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$13.35

Apples (1kg)

$6.78

Oranges (1kg)

$6.48

Potato (1kg)

$3.98

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.31

Rice (white), (1kg)

$5.75

Tomato (1kg)

$6.13

Banana (1kg)

$1.73

Onion (1kg)

$3.69

Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

$17.12

Transportation

Avg / Range

Transportation

Avg

Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

$2.50

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$95.00

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.89

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

$35,000.00

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.50

Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)

$1.49

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$24.00

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

$26,948.71

Rent Per Month

Avg / Range

Rent Per Month

Avg

Range

Avg

Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$5,514.25

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

6.59%

Childcare

Avg / Range

Childcare

Avg

Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

$1,287.50

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

$27,344.83

Worldwide

United States

Cost of Living Rankings

Atlanta ranks 16th 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.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Oct, 2025

Full Cost of Living Rankings

Overview Job Market

Affordability

Very Affordable

About this index

Georgia Cost of Living

"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.

Atlanta