Decatur, GA vs. Marietta, GA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to the Atlanta suburbs of Decatur or Marietta? Here’s a rapid-fire cost of living comparison for 2025:
- 🏠 Median home price: $475K in Decatur vs. $415K in Marietta
- ⚡ Avg. utility bill: $180/mo in Decatur vs. $205/mo in Marietta
- 🥑 Groceries for family of 4: $950/mo in Decatur vs. $875/mo in Marietta
- 💸 Property tax rate: 0.94% in Decatur vs. 1.12% in Marietta
For a detailed cost breakdown to help you decide which city fits your lifestyle and budget, read on. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax).
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Decatur and Marietta compare for housing costs in 2025:
| Housing Type | Decatur | Marietta |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $475,000 | $415,000 |
| Avg. Rent (2BR Apt) | $1,850 | $1,650 |
🏆 Winner: Marietta. A household moving from Decatur to Marietta might save $400/month on housing alone.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities, but Marietta tends to have slightly higher bills due to older housing stock:
- Decatur: Avg. $180/month (range: $140-$220)
- Marietta: Avg. $205/month (range: $160-$250)
Both cities see 10-20% higher utility usage in summer vs. winter. Check for off-peak plans to save.
🏆 Winner: Decatur, but only by about $25/month on average.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Average monthly expenses in Decatur for groceries, dining out, and everyday goods total around $950 for a family of four. Marietta comes in slightly lower at $875/month.
Decatur has pricier organic markets and specialty stores, while Marietta offers more budget-friendly chains. Eating out costs 10-15% more in Decatur.
🏆 Winner: Marietta for everyday expenses and budget-conscious shoppers.
4. Taxes and Fees
Decatur boasts a lower property tax rate of 0.94% vs. Marietta’s 1.12%. However, Marietta’s lower home values mean the actual tax bill is similar.
Both cities charge around $300-500/year for city services like trash and recycling. HOA fees range from $100-300/month, with Decatur’s older neighborhoods on the higher end.
🏆 Winner: Decatur for lower property tax rate, but it’s nearly a tie.
Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Decatur | Marietta |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,850 | $1,650 |
| Utilities | $180 | $205 |
| Groceries | $950 | $875 |
| Transportation | $75 | $125 |
| Taxes | 0.94% | 1.12% |
| Misc Expenses | $450 | $400 |
| Est. Monthly Total | $3,505 | $3,255 |
Lifestyle Fit
Cost is just one factor in choosing where to live. Consider these lifestyle tradeoffs:
- Decatur offers a vibrant downtown, walkable neighborhoods, and quicker access to central Atlanta. But homes are smaller and pricier.
- Marietta provides more space for the money, newer construction, and a quieter suburban feel. But commutes are longer and you’ll rely on your car more.
Decatur averages 2°F cooler than Marietta in summer. Both cities get a similar amount of rain.
FAQ
Is Decatur more affordable than Marietta?
Marietta has a lower overall cost of living, with cheaper housing, groceries, and taxes. But the difference is relatively small.
Which city has lower rent?
Marietta’s average rent for a 2BR apartment is about $200 less per month than Decatur’s.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Marietta’s median home price of $415K is $60K less than Decatur’s $475K. Property taxes are similar between the two.
Conclusion
For most households, Marietta offers a slightly lower cost of living than Decatur, primarily due to cheaper housing. However, the savings are modest, totaling around $250/month.
Budget-focused families, remote workers, and those seeking newer suburban homes may prefer Marietta. Professionals wanting a quick commute, walkable neighborhoods, and a vibrant downtown scene will find a better fit in Decatur.
Whichever you choose, partnering with one of the best moving companies will make relocating to Decatur or Marietta a smooth experience. For more details, see our full cost of living in Decatur breakdown.