Georgia · Population 499,287 · Updated March 2026
How far your income goes in Atlanta
State-level tax rates that affect your costs
Atlanta has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 122 (where 100 equals the national median), Atlanta residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,617/month while earning a median household income of $81,938/year.
The median home value in Atlanta, GA is $420,600, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,695 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 23.7% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.
Georgia has a moderate income tax rate of 5.49%. Combined with a 4.0% sales tax rate and 0.92% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Atlanta.
Common questions about living costs in Atlanta
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