Atlanta, GA, US
The South's economic capital with affordable living, film production, and Southern hospitality.
Overview
Atlanta is a city in GA with a population of 510,823. The South’s economic capital with affordable living, film production, and Southern hospitality. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5b growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The population skews young, with a median age of 34.0.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Above Average vs US Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Atlanta vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 5.8%
- Sales Tax: 8.9%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $66,000
- Unemployment: 3.3%
- Population: 510,823
Climate
- Sunny Days: 234/year
- Summer High: 89°F
- Winter Low: 34°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5b
Housing
- Median Home: $385,000
- 1BR Rent: $1550/mo
Cost of Living
Atlanta's cost of living index is 104.7 (US average = 100).
| Category | Atlanta | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 104.7 | 100 | +4.7% |
| Housing | 118.3 | 100 | +18.3% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $385,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1550/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,938/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $256 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Atlanta:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $120 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $63 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $7 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $60 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $55 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $30 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $335 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Atlanta scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Atlanta has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 54°F | 34°F | 2.5" |
| April | 74°F | 49°F | 2.8" |
| July | 89°F | 64°F | 1.5" |
| October | 69°F | 52°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Atlanta faces the following natural hazards:
Extreme summer heat with high humidity.
Flash floods.
Coastal areas affected by hurricanes.
Tornado risk.
Periodic drought conditions.
Wildfire risk in forested areas.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 5.75%
- Sales Tax: 8.9%
- Property Tax: ~1.03% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.3%.
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Atlanta is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Atlanta, GA, US?
The cost of living index in Atlanta is 104.7, which is Higher the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Atlanta?
The median home price in Atlanta is $385,000. The housing index is 118.3.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Atlanta is approximately $1550/mo.
Does Atlanta, GA have income tax?
Atlanta is in GA, which has an income tax rate of 5.75%.
What is the climate like in Atlanta?
Atlanta enjoys approximately 234 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 89°F, while winter lows can drop to around 34°F.
Relocation Guides
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.