Cost of Living in Atlanta, Georgia (2026)
COL Index
110
100 = US avg
1BR Rent
$1,900
per month
Median HHI
$65K
per year
State Tax
5.5%
income tax
Full cost breakdown
| Category | Atlanta |
|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | |
| Studio rent/mo | $1,500 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,900 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $2,600 |
| Median home price | $380K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | |
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 99 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $14 |
| Mid-range dinner (2 people) | $58 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | |
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $95 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.05 |
| Car insurance/mo | $170 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | |
| Utilities bundle (elec + gas + water)/mo | $165 |
| Internet/mo | $60 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | |
| Median household income/yr | $65K |
| State income tax rate | 5.5% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 8.9% |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 110 |
| Walk score / 100 | 48 |
Is Atlanta affordable on your salary?
How rent burden (1BR) changes across income levels. Under 30% is comfortable; above 40% is tight.
$40K
~$2,545/mo take-home
75% rent burden · Difficult
$50K
~$2,931/mo take-home
65% rent burden · Difficult
$60K
~$3,518/mo take-home
54% rent burden · Difficult
$75K
~$4,397/mo take-home
43% rent burden · Tight
$80K
~$4,690/mo take-home
41% rent burden · Tight
$100K
~$5,863/mo take-home
32% rent burden · Manageable
$120K
~$6,605/mo take-home
29% rent burden · Manageable
$150K
~$8,256/mo take-home
23% rent burden · Comfortable
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Data: Zillow Observed Rent Index, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, US Census ACS · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only