Cost of Living in Atlanta, United States
United States · North America
$3,100
Monthly Cost
avg/person
80
Cost Index
NYC=100
78
Rent Index
NYC=100
66
Quality of Life
Good
42
Safety Index
Below Average
0.5M
Population
USD
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $16 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $68 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $10 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $6 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $7 |
| Cappuccino | $5.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $3 |
| Water (0.33L) | $2 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.1 |
| Bread (500g) | $3 |
| Rice (1kg) | $2.2 |
| Eggs (12) | $4 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $10 |
| Beef (1kg) | $14 |
| Apples (1kg) | $4 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1.6 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $4 |
| Potato (1kg) | $2.2 |
| Onion (1kg) | $1.8 |
| Water (1.5L) | $1.8 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $2.5 |
| Monthly Pass | $95 |
| Taxi 1km | $2.3 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $0.95 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $31000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $25000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $135 |
| Mobile Plan | $60 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $60 |
| Fitness Club/month | $72 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $1,800/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $1,250/mo |
| 3BR Center | $3,500/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $2,200/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $5,800/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $3,800/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $4900 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 6.8% |
View Cost of Living in United States
Cost of Living in Atlanta — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Atlanta, United States is approximately $3,100 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Atlanta has a cost index of 80, making it around 20% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Atlanta costs around $1,250/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $1,800/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $3,500/month. The rent index is 78 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Atlanta scores 66/100 on the quality of life index and 42/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 72/100. The climate index is 66/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Atlanta is approximately $4,900/month. With a purchasing power index of 86/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is USD, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Atlanta
The average monthly salary in Atlanta is approximately $4,900. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $3,100, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 86/100.
Healthcare Costs in Atlanta
Healthcare quality in Atlanta is rated 72/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Atlanta
Atlanta has a quality of life score of 66/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Atlanta
Students living in Atlanta should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Atlanta
Expats moving to Atlanta often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Atlanta, United States is approximately $3,100 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 80 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Atlanta
Living in Atlanta offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 80 and a quality of life score of 66/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $4,900 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Atlanta provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in United States and around the world.
Key Facts About Atlanta
- Average Monthly Cost: $3,100
- Cost Index: 80
- Rent Index: 78
- Average Salary: $4,900
- Quality of Life: 66/100
- Safety Score: 42/100
- Country: United States
- Currency: USD
Is Atlanta Expensive?
Atlanta has a cost index of 80 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Atlanta compare to other cities?
Atlanta is located in North America with a population of approximately 0.5M. At a cost index of 80 (NYC = 100), it is a mid-range city in terms of global cost of living. Use the free comparison tool to see how Atlanta stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Atlanta?
The average cost of living in Atlanta, United States is approximately $3,100 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 80 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Atlanta?
Rent in Atlanta varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 78 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Atlanta alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Atlanta expensive to live in?
Atlanta has a cost index of 80 compared to New York City (100). At 80, Atlanta is on the more expensive side globally. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $3,100.
What is the quality of life in Atlanta?
Atlanta has a quality of life index of 66/100 and a safety index of 42/100. The city is located in North America and offers a good quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Atlanta compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Atlanta with any city worldwide. Atlanta's cost index is 80 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Atlanta?
Many residents live comfortably in Atlanta with a monthly budget of around $3,100 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Atlanta good for expats?
Atlanta is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Atlanta?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $3,100 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Atlanta.
Is Atlanta cheaper than New York?
Yes, Atlanta has a cost index of 80 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Atlanta?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Atlanta.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Atlanta
Cheapest Ways to Live in Atlanta
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Atlanta typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $1,250/month compared to $1,800/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Atlanta, United States.
Is Atlanta Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 86/100 and a quality of life score of 66/100, Atlanta is a reasonable option for relocation, balancing affordability with adequate quality of life. Combined with a cost index of 80 relative to New York City, Atlanta remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living United States has to offer against other destinations in North America.
Atlanta Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Atlanta", "Atlanta monthly expenses 2026", and "is Atlanta affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $3,100, a safety score of 42/100, and healthcare rated 72/100, Atlanta offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to United States.
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Last reviewed: 7/4/2026