Housing Costs in Alpharetta
Housing is typically the biggest expense for Alpharetta residents. In 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Alpharetta is approximately $1,850 per month. For those looking to purchase a home, the typical mortgage payment for a 3-bedroom house falls in the range of $2,100 to $2,600 per month, assuming a 20% down payment.
It’s important to note that many neighborhoods in Alpharetta have active Homeowners Associations (HOAs). While not mandatory, choosing a home in an HOA neighborhood often comes with additional monthly fees ranging from $200 to $400. These fees typically cover community amenities, landscaping, and exterior maintenance.
- Median 2BR Apartment Rent: $1,850/month
- Typical 3BR House Mortgage: $2,100 – $2,600/month
- Common HOA Fees: $200 – $400/month
Utilities and Energy Bills
Utility costs in Alpharetta are relatively moderate compared to other parts of the country. For an average 3-bedroom home, residents can expect to pay around $180 per month for electricity, $40 for natural gas, $70 for water, and $30 for trash collection. Keep in mind that electricity costs tend to spike during the hot summer months due to increased air conditioning usage.
High-speed internet, an essential utility for many, typically costs between $60 and $100 per month, depending on the provider and plan selected. For budgeting purposes, a safe estimate for total monthly utility costs in Alpharetta would be $400 to $500 for a family of three or four.
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $180 |
| Natural Gas | $40 |
| Water | $70 |
| Trash | $30 |
| Internet | $60 – $100 |
| Total | $400 – $500 |
Groceries and Daily Expenses
The cost of groceries in Alpharetta is slightly higher than the national average. A single person can expect to spend around $350 per month on groceries, while a family of four typically spends closer to $1,100. These estimates assume a mix of cooking at home and occasional dining out.
For a more specific example, a typical weekly grocery basket for a couple might include items like a dozen eggs ($3), a gallon of milk ($4), a loaf of bread ($3), fresh produce ($20), meat or fish ($25), and pantry staples ($20). This basket would cost around $75, or approximately $300 per month.
It’s also important to budget for household essentials like toiletries, cleaning supplies, and paper goods. A reasonable estimate for these items would be an additional $50 to $100 per month, depending on family size and brand preferences.
Taxes and Hidden Fees
Alpharetta residents pay a property tax rate of 0.55%, which is slightly lower than the national average. For a home valued at $400,000, this equates to an annual property tax bill of $2,200, or approximately $183 per month.
In addition to property taxes, Alpharetta has a sales tax rate of 6%, which applies to most goods and services. Vehicle owners must also pay an annual ad valorem tax, which varies based on the vehicle’s assessed value.
For those living in HOA communities, it’s crucial to factor in monthly or annual HOA dues. These fees can range from $200 to $400 per month and often cover services like trash pickup, landscaping, and community amenities.
| Tax or Fee | Rate or Estimate |
|---|---|
| Property Tax | 0.55% |
| Sales Tax | 6% |
| Vehicle Ad Valorem Tax | Varies by vehicle value |
| HOA Dues (if applicable) | $200 – $400/month |
Summary Budget Table
To summarize, here’s a sample monthly budget for three different household types living in Alpharetta:
| Expense Category | Single Person | Couple | Family of Four |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (Rent/Mortgage) | $1,400 | $2,000 | $2,500 |
| Utilities | $250 | $350 | $500 |
| Groceries & Household | $400 | $700 | $1,200 |
| Transportation | $200 | $400 | $600 |
| Insurance & Healthcare | $300 | $600 | $1,000 |
| Personal & Discretionary | $500 | $800 | $1,200 |
| Total Monthly Budget | $3,050 | $4,850 | $7,000 |
| Gross Monthly Income Needed | $3,800 | $6,000 | $8,750 |
Please note that these figures are based on gross monthly income (pre-tax). To comfortably afford these budgets, the gross monthly income needed is approximately 25% higher than the total monthly expenses to account for taxes and savings.
Lifestyle Considerations
Alpharetta offers a high quality of life, with excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and plenty of green spaces. The city is known for its excellent parks system, which includes over 750 acres of parks and trails. Commute times in Alpharetta can vary depending on location and time of day, but the average commute is around 30 minutes.
For those seeking newer homes with modern amenities, Alpharetta has seen significant growth and development in recent years. However, this comes at a premium, with newer homes often commanding higher prices and HOA fees. Older homes in established neighborhoods may offer more affordability but may require updates or renovations.
Ultimately, the decision to live in Alpharetta often comes down to a balance between affordability and lifestyle preferences. While the cost of living is higher than some surrounding areas, many residents find that the excellent schools, safe communities, and convenient access to jobs and amenities make it a worthwhile investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Q: How does the cost of living in Alpharetta compare to nearby cities like Roswell or Johns Creek?
A: Alpharetta’s cost of living is similar to Roswell and Johns Creek, with housing costs being the main driver of expenses in all three cities. However, Alpharetta tends to have slightly newer housing stock and more modern amenities, which can come at a premium. -
Q: Are there any affordable neighborhoods in Alpharetta for young professionals or families?
A: While housing costs in Alpharetta are generally high, some neighborhoods like Kimball Bridge and Windward offer more affordable options, particularly for townhomes or older single-family homes. These areas still provide access to great schools and amenities. -
Q: How much can I expect to pay for childcare in Alpharetta?
A: Childcare costs in Alpharetta vary depending on the type of care and the age of the child. On average, full-time daycare for an infant can cost around $1,200 to $1,500 per month, while after-school care for older children may cost $300 to $500 per month. -
Q: Are there any hidden costs or fees I should be aware of when moving to Alpharetta?
A: Some hidden costs to consider include HOA fees for those living in certain communities, vehicle ad valorem taxes, and higher utility bills during the summer months due to increased air conditioning usage. It’s important to factor these into your budget when planning a move. -
Q: What salary do I need to live comfortably in Alpharetta?
A: To live comfortably in Alpharetta, a single person would need a gross monthly income of around $3,800, while a family of four would need closer to $8,750 per month. This accounts for housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and discretionary spending, with some room for savings and taxes.
Housing Costs in Alpharetta
Housing is typically the biggest expense for Alpharetta residents. In 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Alpharetta is approximately $1,850 per month. For those looking to purchase a home, the typical mortgage payment for a 3-bedroom house falls in the range of $2,100 to $2,600 per month, assuming a 20% down payment.
It’s important to note that many neighborhoods in Alpharetta have active Homeowners Associations (HOAs). While not mandatory, choosing a home in an HOA neighborhood often comes with additional monthly fees ranging from $200 to $400. These fees typically cover community amenities, landscaping, and exterior maintenance.
- Median 2BR Apartment Rent: $1,850/month
- Typical 3BR House Mortgage: $2,100 – $2,600/month
- Common HOA Fees: $200 – $400/month
Utilities and Energy Bills
Utility costs in Alpharetta are relatively moderate compared to other parts of the country. For an average 3-bedroom home, residents can expect to pay around $180 per month for electricity, $40 for natural gas, $70 for water, and $30 for trash collection. Keep in mind that electricity costs tend to spike during the hot summer months due to increased air conditioning usage.
High-speed internet, an essential utility for many, typically costs between $60 and $100 per month, depending on the provider and plan selected. For budgeting purposes, a safe estimate for total monthly utility costs in Alpharetta would be $400 to $500 for a family of three or four.
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $180 |
| Natural Gas | $40 |
| Water | $70 |
| Trash | $30 |
| Internet | $60 – $100 |
| Total | $400 – $500 |
Groceries and Daily Expenses
The cost of groceries in Alpharetta is slightly higher than the national average. A single person can expect to spend around $350 per month on groceries, while a family of four typically spends closer to $1,100. These estimates assume a mix of cooking at home and occasional dining out.
For a more specific example, a typical weekly grocery basket for a couple might include items like a dozen eggs ($3), a gallon of milk ($4), a loaf of bread ($3), fresh produce ($20), meat or fish ($25), and pantry staples ($20). This basket would cost around $75, or approximately $300 per month.
It’s also important to budget for household essentials like toiletries, cleaning supplies, and paper goods. A reasonable estimate for these items would be an additional $50 to $100 per month, depending on family size and brand preferences.
Taxes and Hidden Fees
Alpharetta residents pay a property tax rate of 0.55%, which is slightly lower than the national average. For a home valued at $400,000, this equates to an annual property tax bill of $2,200, or approximately $183 per month.
In addition to property taxes, Alpharetta has a sales tax rate of 6%, which applies to most goods and services. Vehicle owners must also pay an annual ad valorem tax, which varies based on the vehicle’s assessed value.
For those living in HOA communities, it’s crucial to factor in monthly or annual HOA dues. These fees can range from $200 to $400 per month and often cover services like trash pickup, landscaping, and community amenities.
| Tax or Fee | Rate or Estimate |
|---|---|
| Property Tax | 0.55% |
| Sales Tax | 6% |
| Vehicle Ad Valorem Tax | Varies by vehicle value |
| HOA Dues (if applicable) | $200 – $400/month |
Summary Budget Table
To summarize, here’s a sample monthly budget for three different household types living in Alpharetta:
| Expense Category | Single Person | Couple | Family of Four |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (Rent/Mortgage) | $1,400 | $2,000 | $2,500 |
| Utilities | $250 | $350 | $500 |
| Groceries & Household | $400 | $700 | $1,200 |
| Transportation | $200 | $400 | $600 |
| Insurance & Healthcare | $300 | $600 | $1,000 |
| Personal & Discretionary | $500 | $800 | $1,200 |
| Total Monthly Budget | $3,050 | $4,850 | $7,000 |
| Gross Monthly Income Needed | $3,800 | $6,000 | $8,750 |
Please note that these figures are based on gross monthly income (pre-tax). To comfortably afford these budgets, the gross monthly income needed is approximately 25% higher than the total monthly expenses to account for taxes and savings.
Lifestyle Considerations
Alpharetta offers a high quality of life, with excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and plenty of green spaces. The city is known for its excellent parks system, which includes over 750 acres of parks and trails. Commute times in Alpharetta can vary depending on location and time of day, but the average commute is around 30 minutes.
For those seeking newer homes with modern amenities, Alpharetta has seen significant growth and development in recent years. However, this comes at a premium, with newer homes often commanding higher prices and HOA fees. Older homes in established neighborhoods may offer more affordability but may require updates or renovations.
Ultimately, the decision to live in Alpharetta often comes down to a balance between affordability and lifestyle preferences. While the cost of living is higher than some surrounding areas, many residents find that the excellent schools, safe communities, and convenient access to jobs and amenities make it a worthwhile investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Q: How does the cost of living in Alpharetta compare to nearby cities like Roswell or Johns Creek?
A: Alpharetta’s cost of living is similar to Roswell and Johns Creek, with housing costs being the main driver of expenses in all three cities. However, Alpharetta tends to have slightly newer housing stock and more modern amenities, which can come at a premium. -
Q: Are there any affordable neighborhoods in Alpharetta for young professionals or families?
A: While housing costs in Alpharetta are generally high, some neighborhoods like Kimball Bridge and Windward offer more affordable options, particularly for townhomes or older single-family homes. These areas still provide access to great schools and amenities. -
Q: How much can I expect to pay for childcare in Alpharetta?
A: Childcare costs in Alpharetta vary depending on the type of care and the age of the child. On average, full-time daycare for an infant can cost around $1,200 to $1,500 per month, while after-school care for older children may cost $300 to $500 per month. -
Q: Are there any hidden costs or fees I should be aware of when moving to Alpharetta?
A: Some hidden costs to consider include HOA fees for those living in certain communities, vehicle ad valorem taxes, and higher utility bills during the summer months due to increased air conditioning usage. It’s important to factor these into your budget when planning a move. -
Q: What salary do I need to live comfortably in Alpharetta?
A: To live comfortably in Alpharetta, a single person would need a gross monthly income of around $3,800, while a family of four would need closer to $8,750 per month. This accounts for housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and discretionary spending, with some room for savings and taxes.