Georgia cost of living
Moving to a new state is a mix of emotions — it can be full of new possibilities but also challenging and a bit scary. While a fresh start offers exciting opportunities and experiences, it's important to consider the practical side of things, too. Building new friendships, finding support and getting to know your way around takes time.
Moving can also be costly and emotionally draining. Whether you're relocating to Georgia for a job, a change of scenery or any other reason, understanding the cost of living in the state is crucial for a smooth transition.
The median rent in Georgia is $1,811.88, versus the national median rent of $1,529.01.
Jump to insightResidents in Georgia spend $278.32 weekly on food at home and $115.95 on food out.
Jump to insightAs of publishing, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $3.30 in Georgia.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in Georgia pay $1,714 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightHousing costs in Georgia
According to recent data from Zillow, the median rent in Georgia is $1,811.88, while the national median rent is $1,529.01.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows rent prices in Georgia broken down by home size. As of publishing, one-bedroom apartments in Georgia had a median cost of $1,223 per month, and the two-bedroom median cost was $1,215 per month. Three- and four-bedroom homes had median costs of $1,274 and $1,675, respectively.
As of publishing, the median home price in Georgia is $379,000, according to Redfin. The U.S. median home price is $436,000.
Median home prices vary depending on the area. Gainesville had the highest median home price in the state ($405,800) in the first quarter of 2024, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The next highest was the Athens-Clarke County area, at $372,900, followed by the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta area, at $369,200. Meanwhile, the median home price in Macon-Bibb was far lower, at $206,800, and the median in Warner Robins was $257,100.
Georgia ranks No. 25 for highest effective property tax rates in the nation, according to the most recent Tax Foundation data, at 0.92%.
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Food costs in Georgia
According to recent census data, the average spent on food to prepare at home each week in Georgia is $278.32, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21 at the time. Georgia residents spend an average of $115.95 weekly on food prepared outside the home, compared with the U.S. average of $109.21.
Transportation costs in Georgia
According to recent data from AAA, the average price per gallon of regular gas in Georgia is $3.30, compared with the U.S. average of $3.46.
The most recent National Association of Insurance Commissioners data shows that the average auto insurance premium (liability, collision and comprehensive coverage combined) in Georgia is $1,432.75, versus the national average of $1,189.50.
Public transportation costs
As of June 2024, Georgia has 14 urban and 114 rural transit systems, made up mostly of buses and rail cars. According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, the state has the largest rail network in the Southeastern U.S., with four different Amtrak routes.
The average fare per public transit trip in Atlanta was $1.30 in 2022; the area finished No. 31 in our ranking of cities with the best public transit in 2024.
Health care costs in Georgia
The most recent KFF data shows that, on average, employer-sponsored health insurance cost Georgia employees $1,714 annually, with employers covering the remaining $5,653 of the $7,367 total cost.
Nationwide, the average employee contribution was $1,637 out of a total premium of $7,590.
Utility costs in Georgia
According to the most recent data from the Energy Information Administration, the average monthly electric bill in Georgia is $151.25, versus $135.25 countrywide.
Recent EIA data also shows that natural gas in Georgia costs $14.09 per thousand cubic feet, compared with $13.25 nationally.
FAQ
What are the most expensive cities in Georgia?
Based on NAR housing data from 2024, the Gainesville, Athens-Clarke County and Atlanta areas are among the most expensive in Georgia in terms of home prices.
How much do I need to make to live in Atlanta, Georgia?
According to our 2024 story on income needed to live in various U.S. cities, a single adult needs a salary of $77,941.67 or a full-time hourly rate of $37.47 to live comfortably in Atlanta.
How much do I need to make to live in Augusta, Georgia?
In our study on the income required to live in large U.S. cities, we found that a single adult would need a salary of $49,970.78 to live comfortably in Augusta in 2024.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Zillow, "Housing Data." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Redfin, "Redfin Data Center." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Tax Foundation, "Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?" Accessed May 14, 2024.
- United States Census Bureau, "Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- AAA Gas Prices, "State Gas Price Averages." Accessed June 14, 2024.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, "2020/2021 Auto Insurance Database Report." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- KFF, "Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, "2022 Average Monthly Bill- Residential." Accessed May 14, 2024.
