When choosing the next city to call home, you’ll need to consider a few key factors, from the selection of local breweries and restaurants, to the cost of living and quality of life. Atlanta is known as an affordable, mid-sized city with lots to explore and plenty of job opportunities. But, with rising housing costs nationwide, how far will your dollar really get you? Read on to find out.

Looking for an apartment in Atlanta? AptAmigo can help you find the right place for your budget. With a personal apartment expert by your side, the process becomes stress-free and tailored to your needs (and, did we mention, completely free?)

Related: Best Apartments in Buckhead

Cost of Living in Atlanta

Do you dream of living in San Francisco or New York, but can’t stomach the exorbitant rent prices? If so, Atlanta might present the perfect compromise for you. Even with rent on the rise, and hovering a tiny bit higher than other mid-sized US cities, prices still remain affordable compared to some of the largest cities in the nation.

To put it into perspective, the average Atlanta rent is around $1,800, compared to $1,750 for the national average. Compare that to New York’s average of $4,500 for a 1-bedroom apartment or San Francisco’s average of $3,300, and Atlanta rent prices emerge as a steal.

However, where you live in Atlanta will impact how much you’ll likely spend on rent. If you set your heart on popular neighborhoods like the Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, or Buckhead, expect to pay more in rent per month. In more suburban areas like Sandy Springs or Roswell, you will enjoy slightly lower prices, but will live in a less walkable neighborhood. Some In-town neighborhoods, such as Midtown, offer a wide variety of housing options, so you’ll encounter more flexibility, depending on your preferences.

Ultimately, your preferences will play a large role in your rent budget. If you want to live right in the middle of Atlanta’s vibrant dining and arts scene, spending a few extra bucks each month is easily justifiable. Spending a little extra to live near your workplace might also save you money in the long run. Atlanta’s notoriously long commute times and bad traffic mean that a more walkable neighborhood might lower your gas budget and vehicle maintenance costs enough to offset a higher rent.

Cost of Rent in Atlanta

Average rent = $1,800

Usually, the most expensive part of relocating to a bigger city than the one you currently live in is the difference in rent. Luckily, for a major metropolis, Atlanta remains one of the more affordable cities in the U.S. While the average rent for a one bedroom in the city center runs around $1,850, you can still find one bedrooms outside of downtown Atlanta for much less.

If you can afford it, spending a little more to live in your favorite Atlanta neighborhood is definitely worth it. With so many unique and walkable communities, finding the perfect community will allow you to soak up the full Atlanta experience. From stunning downtown views to local boutiques, street art, and summer festivals, no two neighborhoods look alike in Atlanta. Fortunately, residents can drive throughout Atlanta easily, so you won’t feel confined to one area. You can always hop on the I-75 and explore all of the city’s other popular neighborhoods.

To find the best housing options for your money, check out AptAmigo’s selection of junior one-bedroom apartments, three-bedroom apartments renting for under $2000, and our move-in specials.

Cost of Utilities in Atlanta

Average utilities = $325

When calculating the cost of living in Atlanta, it is important to consider the monthly cost of utilities. With average summer temperatures reaching the high 80s and the typical high humidity in the South, your air conditioning will get plenty of use. Expect to pay $200 a month on standard utilities (gas, electric, garbage) and an additional $70 on internet. Don’t forget to add the cost of your mobile plan, too. Your utility expenses will vary, but setting aside about $325 per month will ensure you stay within your budget.

Food & Dining Cost

Monthly Grocery Bill for One Person = $500

The cost of groceries in Atlanta sits close to the national average. However, individual grocery bills vary from household to household, depending on diet. Meat and dairy cost more than proteins like beans and lentils, so the choices you make in the aisles can increase or decrease your budget.

Keep in mind that this grocery estimate does not include eating out. With appetizing dining options on every corner, budgeting for restaurant dining becomes essential. Foodies and chefs from all over flock to Atlanta to try the Michelin-starred restaurants and eclectic cocktail lounges, making it easy to spend a pretty penny in these highly sought-after establishments. On average, a meal for two in downtown Atlanta costs about $60, so, depending on how often you indulge in chef-prepared food, your monthly costs could go up. If you dine at restaurants twice a week, prepare to spend an extra $200 a month on food per person.

Average Salary

Average Salary in Atlanta = ~$6,000/month

Naturally, you’ll want to know how much you need to make in order to live comfortably in Atlanta. The general rule of thumb is to bring in 3x the amount of your monthly rent. Luckily, the average monthly salary for Atlanta is $5,325 after taxes, meaning that the numbers match up well to the city’s average rent.

How Much Does it Cost to Live in Atlanta?

Advice for Moving to Atlanta

Should You Rent or Buy?

Due to the wide availability of apartments in highly desirable neighborhoods, many Atlantans rent. If you plan to live in a walkable neighborhood, renting almost always presents the more affordable option. It also provides more flexibility, impressive amenities, and the chance to meet new people through community events. With cheaper rental pricing than most large U.S. cities, you’ll get more “bang for your buck” when renting in Atlanta than you would in cities like New York or San Francisco.

If you’re moving to a new city, renting for at least the first year will allow you to learn more about each neighborhood, see what you like and dislike, and help you make a more informed decision when it comes time to buy.

Moving Tips

Once you find your favorite neighborhood and your dream apartment at the perfect price, it’s time to move in. Check out our Ultimate Moving Checklist for a no-stress move. Then, upon arrival, you can unpack your essentials in one day to start feeling settled right away.

Pro tip: Bring a tape measure with you when you initially tour your new apartment as well as when you move in. It will make it so much easier to know where your items will fit and will help make the unpacking process smoother.

Exploring Atlanta

Once you move in, the fun part begins: exploring your new city.

If heading outdoors is your style, take a walk on the BeltLine to get acquainted with Atlanta. This multi-use trail connects more than 40 diverse communities and neighborhoods. Depending on where you hop on, you’ll find bars and restaurants, art installations, and lush parks. A stroll on the BeltLine is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Atlanta, and you’ll always see something new.

For more resources on things to do in your new city, check out our Exploring Atlanta series, read up on Things to Do in Midtown & Downtown, and then Tour Like a Local with our ultimate Atlanta guide.

Get Free VIP Apartment Hunting Assistance

Ready to move to Atlanta? We know that apartment hunting can be a struggle, especially if you’re relocating to a new city. AptAmigo’s goal is to make finding an apartment completely stress-free. By pairing you with a dedicated local expert who knows the ins and outs of Atlanta, you can find better apartments in half the time. Oh, and did we mention that it’s completely free?

* The original version of this article was first published on June 11, 2020.