Atlanta, GA vs. Alpharetta, GA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
The Smith family is at a crossroads. John has job offers in both Atlanta and Alpharetta, and they’re trying to decide which city best fits their lifestyle and budget. In this article, we’ll compare the cost of living in Atlanta vs Alpharetta to help the Smiths — and anyone else weighing these two cities — make an informed decision.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living comparisons. Here’s how typical rental and purchase prices stack up in Atlanta and Alpharetta:
| Housing Type | Atlanta | Alpharetta |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,800 | $2,200 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $450,000 | $550,000 |
🏆 Winner: Atlanta. Renting a 2-bedroom apartment in Atlanta costs about $400 less per month than in Alpharetta, and buying a home is roughly $100,000 cheaper.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are another important consideration. In Atlanta, expect to pay around $180 per month for electricity, gas, water, and trash. Alpharetta utility costs are similar, averaging $190 monthly.
Both cities experience hot summers, so air conditioning usage peaks from June through September. Many providers offer off-peak plans to help manage costs.
🏆 Winner: Atlanta, but only by a small margin. The Smiths might save $10 per month on utilities in Atlanta.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
For a family of four, a typical monthly grocery bill in Atlanta is around $800. Prices are about 5% higher in Alpharetta, totaling $840 per month.
Eating out is also pricier in Alpharetta. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averages $70, compared to $60 in Atlanta.
🏆 Winner: Atlanta. The Smiths can expect to spend $40-$50 less per month on food in Atlanta.
4. Taxes and Fees
Property taxes in Atlanta are 1.14% of assessed value, while Alpharetta’s rate is 1.35%. For a $500,000 home, that’s a difference of $1,050 per year.
Both cities charge around $400 annually for trash and recycling. Most neighborhoods have HOA fees ranging from $200-$500 per month, which often include landscaping and amenities.
🏆 Winner: Atlanta. Lower property taxes give Atlanta the edge, especially for homeowners.
Cost Summary Table
| Category | Atlanta | Alpharetta |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR) | $3,750 | $4,583 |
| Utilities | $180 | $190 |
| Groceries | $800 | $840 |
| Transportation | $80 | $100 |
| Taxes & Fees | $475 | $562 |
| Misc | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $5,785 | $6,775 |
All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax) for reader clarity. Based on these estimates, the Smiths would need to earn about $1,000 more per month to maintain the same standard of living in Alpharetta as in Atlanta.
Lifestyle Fit
While Atlanta is more affordable overall, there are other factors to consider:
- Alpharetta offers more space and newer housing, but longer commutes
- Atlanta is more walkable and has better public transit
- Traffic is 20% worse in Atlanta
- Schools rank 10% higher in Alpharetta
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Atlanta more affordable than Alpharetta?
Yes, Atlanta is about 15% cheaper than Alpharetta overall. Housing, food, and taxes are all lower in Atlanta.
Which city has lower rent?
Renting a 2BR apartment costs around $1,800 per month in Atlanta, compared to $2,200 in Alpharetta.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
The median price for a 3BR house is $450,000 in Atlanta and $550,000 in Alpharetta, a difference of $100,000.
Conclusion
For the Smith family, Atlanta offers significant cost savings on housing, groceries, and taxes compared to Alpharetta. However, Alpharetta’s newer homes, extra space, and better schools may be worth the premium for some families.
Young professionals prioritizing shorter commutes and walkability may prefer Atlanta, while those who value space and school quality might lean toward Alpharetta despite the higher cost of living.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your family’s specific needs, preferences, and budget. To explore your options further, check out our detailed breakdowns of the monthly costs and overall cost of living in Atlanta.