Skyline of Rome
Cost of Living: 88 37,000

Rome, GA, US

Historic Northwest Georgia city with Berry College, seven hills, and riverfront charm.

Updated September 12, 2026

Overview

Rome is a city in GA with a population of 37,000. Historic Northwest Georgia city with Berry College, seven hills, and riverfront charm. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6a growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables.

Last updated: September 12, 2026

Cost of Living 88

Below Average vs US Avg (100)

Housing Index 92

Affordable

Median Income $50,000

Household income

Unemployment 3.8%

Job market health

Rome vs US Average

Cost of Living
Rome: 88
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Rome: 92
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Rome: 5.75%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 5.8%
  • Sales Tax: 8.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $50,000
  • Unemployment: 3.8%
  • Population: 37,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 215/year
  • Summer High: 90°F
  • Winter Low: 35°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a

Housing

  • Median Home: $240,000
  • 1BR Rent: $950/mo

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Cost of Living

Rome's cost of living index is 88 (US average = 100).

CategoryRomeNational AverageDifference
Overall88100-12.0%
Housing92100-8.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$240,000
Median Rent (1BR)$950/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,188/mo
Price per Sq Ft$160

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

$
%
$90,000 down
%
%
$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Rome:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$103Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating & Cooling$58Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Cooling (AC)$11Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$50Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$70Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$25Private service
Total Utilities$317Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Rome scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
— 88
Rent
— $950
Sunny Days
— 215
Tax
— 5.75%
Unemployment
— 3.8%
Climate
— 90°F / 35°F
Safety
— 5.8 homicides/100k
Population
— 37,000
Internet Speed
— 200 Mbps

Climate

Rome has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January55°F35°F2.5"
April75°F50°F2.8"
July90°F65°F1.5"
October70°F53°F2.2"
USDA Zone 6a

Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables

Natural Hazards

Rome faces the following natural hazards:

Heat Wave Extreme Risk

Extreme summer heat.

Flood High Risk

Coosa River flooding.

Hurricane High Risk

Coastal areas affected by hurricanes.

Tornado Moderate Risk

Tornado risk.

Wildfire Moderate Risk

Wildfire risk in forested areas.

Drought Moderate Risk

Periodic drought conditions.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 5.75%
  • Sales Tax: 8%
  • Property Tax: ~0.92% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.8%.

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Academic Year August to May
Term System Semester — Fall (Aug-Dec), Spring (Jan-May/June)
Summer Break Late May to August (10 weeks)
Winter Break Late December to early January (2 weeks)
Spring Break March or April (1 week)

State mandates 180 school days. Many districts start in early August.

Universities & Higher Education

1
Universities
#1938
Top University Rank

Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database

Demographics

The population of Rome is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

Asian
1.8%
Black or African American
24.4%
Hispanic or Latino
20.3%
Native American
0.0%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
0.0%
Other
0.1%
Two or more races
4.4%
White
48.9%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
28.5%
High school graduate
25.9%
Less than high school
18.5%
Some college
27.1%

Religion

Christian
76.0%
Other
6.0%
Unaffiliated
18.0%

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 Rome, GA, US?

The cost of living index in Rome is 88, which is Lower the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Rome?

The median home price in Rome is $240,000. The housing index is 92.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Rome is approximately $950/mo.

Does Rome, GA have income tax?

Rome is in GA, which has an income tax rate of 5.75%.

What is the climate like in Rome?

Rome enjoys approximately 215 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 90°F, while winter lows can drop to around 35°F.

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.