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Atlanta, Georgia

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

65
Overall Score

Atlanta, the capital of Georgia, is a vibrant metropolis with a rich history, deeply intertwined with the Civil Rights Movement and its role as a major transportation and business hub in the Southeastern United States. Known as the "City in the Forest" for its extensive tree canopy, Atlanta offers a unique blend of Southern charm and urban sophistication. People are drawn to Atlanta for its burgeoning job market, diverse cultural scene, and a generally lower cost of living compared to other major U.S. cities, making it an attractive destination for professionals, families, and entrepreneurs alike. The city's dynamic spirit is evident in its thriving arts, music, and culinary landscapes, offering a high quality of life with ample opportunities for recreation and entertainment.

About Georgia

Georgia, a southeastern U.S. state, is characterized by its Southern charm, diverse landscapes ranging from mountains to coastline, and a rich cultural blend of Native American, African American, and European influences. The state boasts a thriving and diverse economy with major industries including technology, manufacturing, logistics, agriculture (leading in pecans and blueberries, significant in peanuts and peaches), and a growing film and television production sector. Living in Georgia generally offers a lower cost of living compared to the national average, with mild winters and long, hot, humid summers, supporting a lifestyle that often includes abundant outdoor activities and a strong sense of community.

505,268
Population
$65K
Avg Salary
96
Cost Index
65.2
Quality Score
How this 65/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 72 / 100 72.0 30% 21.6
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 96.0 48.8 25% 12.2
Economy & jobs Median household income: $85,652 Income needed to live here: $55,000 Unemployment rate: 4% 84.8 20% 17.0
Growth Population growth rate: 0.59% Job growth rate: 2.1% 50.9 15% 7.6
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 68 / 100 68.0 10% 6.8
Overall score 65.2

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Gemini (Tier 1 (fast), q=87), last refreshed 3 October 2026. They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.

Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.

Businesses in Atlanta

Featured local businesses in Atlanta.

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Quality Scores

Business
68
Livability
74
Affordability
65
Growth
70

Cost of Living

Atlanta's cost of living is generally considered to be on par with or slightly below the national average, making it an attractive option for many. While housing costs can be a significant factor, they remain more affordable than in many other major U.S. cities. Other expenses such as groceries and transportation are also relatively competitive, though utilities can be slightly higher than the national average. The city's overall cost of living index of 95.7 indicates it is slightly below the national average, with housing being a notable area of affordability compared to peer cities.

Average Rent
$1,882/mo
Groceries
$450/mo
Transport
$120/mo
Utilities
$180/mo
Healthcare
$250/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$45.00
Cinema ticket
$14.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$22.00
Monthly groceries
$400.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$150.00

Salary Insights

Atlanta boasts a robust and diverse economy, driven by strong sectors such as aviation, film and entertainment, FinTech, healthcare, and logistics. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport alone supports tens of thousands of jobs and generates billions in economic impact, highlighting the city's significance as a global hub. The presence of numerous Fortune 500 companies, including Coca-Cola, Home Depot, Delta Air Lines, and UPS, further solidifies Atlanta's position as a major business center. The job market is characterized by steady growth, with projected job growth in Atlanta expected to be significantly higher than the national average over the next decade.

The average salary in Atlanta is $65,000 per year. You would need approximately $55,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Healthcare +1.50% Logistics and Supply Chain Management +1.20% Aviation +2.50% Film and Entertainment +1.80% FinTech +2.10%

Climate

🌡️
63°F
Avg Temp
☀️
88°F
Summer High
❄️
36°F
Winter Low
🌧️
46.30"
Annual Rain
💧
65.00%
Humidity
🌤️
233
Sunny Days

Transport

Getting around Atlanta involves a mix of driving, public transit, and other options. The city is known for its extensive highway system, including I-285, which encircles the metropolitan area, but also for its notorious traffic congestion. MARTA, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, provides bus and subway services, though public transportation is often cited as a con due to its limitations in covering the sprawling metro area. The average commute time is around 26.5 minutes.

27 min
Avg Commute
55.00/10
Transit Score
60.00/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Atlanta offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major U.S. cities, with housing costs being a significant factor in its favor.
The city has a strong and diverse job market with projected job growth significantly higher than the national average, driven by key industries like aviation, FinTech, and healthcare.
Atlanta is a major transportation hub, boasting the world's busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which facilitates global travel and trade.
The city provides a high quality of life with a "City in the Forest" ambiance, a vibrant cultural scene, diverse culinary options, and ample outdoor recreational opportunities.
Atlanta's crime rates have shown a downward trend in recent years, with significant reductions in major crime categories in 2024, reaching historic lows for violent crime.
Drawbacks
Atlanta is known for its notorious traffic congestion, which can significantly impact commute times and daily travel.
The city's public transportation system, while present, is often cited as a con due to its limitations in serving the extensive urban sprawl of the metropolitan area.
While generally affordable, housing costs in Atlanta can still be a significant expense, and the market has seen substantial increases in required income to afford a home.
Summer humidity and heat can be intense, contributing to less comfortable outdoor conditions during certain months.
Competition in certain sectors, such as tech and media, can be intense, requiring job seekers to be well-researched and prepared.

Questions about Atlanta

What people ask about living in and moving to Atlanta, Georgia.

What industries are hiring the most in Atlanta right now? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

Atlanta's economy is diversified, with strong hiring activity in sectors such as technology, healthcare, finance, and logistics. The city also hosts a growing film and media production scene and a robust corporate services market. Entry‑level positions are frequently posted by companies that operate in office parks, research centers, and downtown business districts. To explore openings, visit the city’s workforce dev...

How do public schools in Atlanta rank compared to the state average? Schools & Education 1 answer

Public schools in the Atlanta metropolitan area show a wide range of performance, with many districts meeting or exceeding Georgia's state averages on standardized testing. School quality often varies by neighborhood, so it’s important to research individual school ratings, graduation rates, and extracurricular offerings. The state department of education website provides report cards for each school, and the local s...

Is Atlanta considered a safe city for newcomers? Safety 1 answer

Atlanta has a safety score of 72 out of 100, indicating a moderate level of safety relative to other U.S. cities. Crime rates differ noticeably between neighborhoods; some central and suburban areas report lower incidents, while certain districts have higher rates of property or violent crime. To assess safety, consult the city's police department crime map, review neighborhood watch forums, and look at recent commun...

How does Atlanta's cost of living compare to the national average? Cost of Living 1 answer

Atlanta's cost‑of‑living index is 96, which means it is slightly below the national average of 100. Everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation tend to be a bit cheaper than in many larger metros, while housing costs are close to the national median. With an average salary of $65,000 per year, most residents find that their earnings cover basic needs comfortably, though discretionary spending w...

What is the typical rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in Atlanta? Housing 1 answer

The average rent in Atlanta is $1,882 per month, which reflects a range of unit sizes and neighborhoods. One‑bedroom apartments in central or highly sought‑after districts often sit at or above this average, while options farther from the downtown core may be lower. When budgeting, also consider additional costs such as utilities, internet, and parking fees. To find current listings, check regional rental platforms,...

What public transportation options are available for daily commuters? Getting Around 1 answer

Atlanta offers a network of bus routes, a rapid‑transit rail system, and commuter rail lines that serve the city and surrounding suburbs. The city transit authority provides fare information, route maps, and real‑time tracking through its website and mobile app. Additionally, there are bike‑share programs and designated bike lanes for shorter trips. For commuters traveling longer distances, park‑and‑ride facilities a...

Where can I find affordable primary care doctors in Atlanta? Healthcare 1 answer

Atlanta has a broad range of primary‑care providers, including community health centers, private practices, and university‑affiliated clinics that accept various insurance plans and offer sliding‑scale fees. To locate affordable options, use the health insurance marketplace’s provider search tool, visit the state health department’s directory of community health centers, or explore the local hospital system’s outpati...

What’s the typical work‑life balance like for people living in Atlanta? General 1 answer

Atlanta residents generally experience moderate commute times; many workers travel 20‑30 minutes by car or public transit, though traffic can be heavier during peak hours on major corridors. The city’s mix of urban amenities and nearby green spaces supports a balanced lifestyle, with options for dining, cultural events, and outdoor recreation after work. Employers often offer flexible schedules and remote‑work polici...

What free or low‑cost activities are popular among residents? Things to Do 1 answer

Atlanta offers numerous low‑cost attractions, such as public parks with walking trails, city‑run museums with free admission days, and seasonal festivals that showcase local music and food. The riverfront area provides opportunities for kayaking and paddle‑boarding rentals at modest rates, while several neighborhoods host farmers’ markets and art walks. For cultural experiences, check the city’s events calendar for f...

What should I know about utility setup when moving to Atlanta? Moving Here 1 answer

When you relocate to Atlanta, you’ll need to arrange for electricity, natural gas (if applicable), water, trash collection, and internet service. The city’s utility commission lists the main providers for each service, and most allow you to set up accounts online or by phone before your move‑in date. Be prepared to provide a copy of your lease or proof of ownership, a photo ID, and a deposit if you have no prior serv...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Atlanta? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.

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