Atlanta, Georgia has an overall cost of living index of 98.6, which is 1.4 points below the US average of 100 — making it about average versus most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,617 per month, while the typical home is valued around $420,600. Households earn a median of $81,938 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is moderate, with an average AQI of 57. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$81,938
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,617
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$420,600
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
98.6
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$1,585
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$1,660
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,820
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$2,182
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
98.6
Goods
99.1
Rents / Housing
107.3
Services
102.2
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
5.49%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
4.00%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $127,720 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $95,000 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $75,210 |
| ⚡Electrician | $59,330 |
| 📊Accountant | $94,330 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
499,287
Latest estimate
Median Age
34 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
57.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Atlanta?
Atlanta has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 98.6. The US national average is 100, so Atlanta is 1.4 points below the national average.
What is the median rent in Atlanta?
The median gross rent in Atlanta is $1,617 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Atlanta?
The median household income in Atlanta is $81,938 per year.
What is the median home value in Atlanta?
The median home value in Atlanta is $420,600 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Atlanta?
Atlanta has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 57.0, which is rated "Moderate" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Atlanta?
Georgia has a top state income tax rate of 5.49% and a statewide sales tax of 4.00% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology