Brookhaven is considered moderately expensive in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,950 and slightly higher grocery and utility costs compared to national averages.
Housing Costs in Brookhaven
Housing is the largest expense for most Brookhaven residents. In 2025, the typical rent for a 2-bedroom apartment ranges from $1,800 to $2,100 per month, with an average of around $1,950. Prices vary based on neighborhood and property amenities. For example:
- Apartments in the Town Brookhaven development average $2,050/month
- Older complexes near Buford Highway are closer to $1,850/month
- Luxury units in Brookhaven Village can exceed $2,300/month
Buying a home in Brookhaven requires a larger budget. A typical 3-bedroom, 2-bath house sells for $450,000 to $600,000 as of 2025. With a 20% down payment, this equates to a monthly mortgage of roughly $2,400 to $3,200 including property taxes and insurance. Some popular neighborhoods for buyers include:
| Neighborhood | Typical Home Price |
|---|---|
| Ashford Park | $500,000 |
| Drew Valley | $550,000 |
| Brookhaven Heights | $575,000 |
Many Brookhaven neighborhoods have active homeowners associations (HOAs). Monthly HOA fees typically range from $200 to $400 and cover amenities like community pools, landscaping, and security.
Utilities and Energy Bills
Brookhaven residents pay an average of $180 per month for basic utilities like electricity, natural gas, water, and trash collection. This is about 8% higher than the national average. Cooling costs tend to spike in the summer months due to Georgia’s heat and humidity.
High-speed internet from providers like Xfinity or AT&T adds another $60 to $80 per month. Many apartments include water, trash, and sometimes internet in the monthly rent.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries in Brookhaven cost around 5% more than the U.S. average. A single person spends about $350 per month on groceries, while a family of four averages $1,000 or more. Dining out adds to the budget, with a typical meal at a casual restaurant costing $12 to $18 per person.
To illustrate other common expenses, here’s what a Brookhaven resident might pay for a “basket” of everyday items:
- Gallon of milk: $3.80
- Loaf of bread: $2.50
- Dozen eggs: $2.20
- Pound of chicken: $4.50
- Basic haircut: $35.00
Taxes and Fees
Brookhaven’s property tax rate is 2.74%, which is slightly higher than the Atlanta metro average of 2.58%. For a $500,000 home, annual property taxes would be around $13,700.
Georgia has a statewide sales tax of 4%, but most of Brookhaven is also in DeKalb County, which adds another 4% for a total of 8% sales tax on most purchases. A few neighborhoods on the north side of Brookhaven are in Gwinnett County and pay a 6% sales tax instead.
Vehicle owners pay an annual ad valorem tax based on their car’s value. The average is $300 to $600 per vehicle. All Georgia drivers must also pay a $20 annual registration fee.
Monthly Budget Summary
To summarize, here’s a sample monthly budget for common Brookhaven households. Note that all figures represent gross (pre-tax) income required to afford these expenses:
| Expense | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (average rent) | $1,500 | $1,950 | $2,400 |
| Utilities | $180 | $220 | $280 |
| Groceries | $350 | $700 | $1,000 |
| Transportation | $300 | $400 | $600 |
| Healthcare | $250 | $500 | $800 |
| Other Necessities | $400 | $600 | $1,000 |
| Monthly Income Required | $2,980 | $4,370 | $6,080 |
Lifestyle Considerations
Brookhaven offers a comfortable suburban lifestyle with easy access to Atlanta’s urban amenities. Commute times vary depending on your destination, but most Brookhaven residents can reach downtown or Buckhead within 20-30 minutes outside of rush hour.
Newer luxury apartments provide plenty of space and modern features but come with a higher price tag. More affordable options are available in older complexes or by having a roommate. Brookhaven’s many parks, trails, and community events appeal to families and young professionals alike.
Compared to some other Atlanta suburbs like Alpharetta or Sandy Springs, Brookhaven offers a good balance of affordability and convenience. However, those prioritizing the most square footage or lowest density may find better value in places like Gwinnett or Forsyth County.
Frequently Asked Questions
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Brookhaven?
A gross income of at least $4,200 per month ($50,400/year) provides a comfortable lifestyle for a single person or couple renting in Brookhaven. Families purchasing a home will need $6,000+/month ($72,000+/year).
Is Brookhaven cheaper than living in Atlanta?
Brookhaven is generally less expensive than neighborhoods closer to downtown Atlanta like Midtown or Old Fourth Ward. However, it’s pricier than suburbs further from the city center.
What are the top 3 costs that surprise people moving to Brookhaven?
- Higher cooling bills in the summer
- Homeowners association (HOA) fees of $200-400/month
- Annual vehicle ad valorem taxes of $300-600 per car
How much does it cost to hire movers in Brookhaven?
Professional movers in Brookhaven typically charge $100-200 per hour for local moves. For the best deals, compare moving company costs and options at least a month before your move if possible.
What are the most affordable neighborhoods in Brookhaven?
The Buford Highway corridor and Clairmont Road area offer the lowest rents in Brookhaven, with 1-2 bedroom apartments starting around $1,200/month. For buyers, Lynwood Park has the most affordable homes, averaging $350,000-450,000.