Housing Costs in Smyrna, GA
Housing is typically the biggest expense for Smyrna residents. In 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Smyrna is around $1,800 per month. For those looking to purchase a home, a typical mortgage payment on a 3-bedroom house falls in the range of $1,900 to $2,400 monthly, depending on the neighborhood and home condition.
Many Smyrna neighborhoods have homeowners associations (HOAs), which can add $200 to $400 per month to housing costs. While not mandatory everywhere, HOAs are common in newer developments and cover amenities like community pools, landscaping, and security.
For comparison, here is a table of typical housing costs in Smyrna:
| Housing Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,800 |
| 3BR House Mortgage | $1,900 – $2,400 |
| HOA Fees | $200 – $400 |
Utilities and Energy Bills
Utility costs in Smyrna are moderate compared to the national average. Residents can expect to pay around $150 per month for electricity, $40 for natural gas, $60 for water, and $30 for trash and recycling pickup.
Keep in mind that energy bills can spike seasonally. Summer cooling costs are higher than winter heating in Smyrna due to the hot, humid climate. Budget an extra $50 to $80 per month for electricity from June through September.
Here’s a monthly utility cost breakdown for a typical Smyrna household:
- Electricity: $150
- Natural Gas: $40
- Water: $60
- Trash & Recycling: $30
- Summer Cooling Premium: $50 – $80
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Smyrna residents spend an average of $350 to $450 per person each month on groceries and everyday items. This assumes a mix of cooking at home and dining out occasionally. Eating out more frequently can easily add $200+ per person to monthly food costs.
For a family of four, a typical monthly grocery bill might include:
- Produce (fruits, vegetables): $140
- Meat and proteins: $180
- Dairy and eggs: $60
- Breads and grains: $80
- Snacks and extras: $90
This comes to a total of $550, or about $138 per person. The remaining $212 to $312 per person accounts for household items like toiletries, cleaning supplies, and the occasional restaurant meal or takeout.
Taxes and Fees
On top of housing and daily expenses, Smyrna residents need to account for various taxes and fees:
- Property Tax: Smyrna’s property tax rate is 0.55%, or $5.50 per $1,000 of assessed home value. For a $300,000 house, that’s $1,650 per year or $138 per month.
- Sales Tax: Smyrna has a 6% sales tax on most goods and services. Budget an extra $60 for every $1,000 spent on taxable purchases.
- Vehicle Fees: Registering a car in Smyrna costs $20 per year, plus applicable title fees and ad valorem taxes based on the vehicle’s value.
Monthly Cost Summary
So what does it really cost to live comfortably in Smyrna? Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown:
| Expense Category | Single Adult | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (Rent/Mortgage) | $1,400 | $1,800 | $2,200 |
| Utilities | $180 | $280 | $380 |
| Groceries & Dining | $400 | $800 | $1,400 |
| Transportation & Vehicle | $300 | $500 | $800 |
| Health Insurance | $300 | $600 | $1,200 |
| Entertainment & Lifestyle | $250 | $500 | $800 |
| Monthly Total (Gross) | $2,830 | $4,480 | $6,780 |
Note that these figures represent gross monthly income (pre-tax). After accounting for income taxes, a single adult may need to earn around $40,000 per year ($3,333/month gross) to live comfortably in Smyrna, while a couple should aim for at least $60,000 ($5,000/month gross). To support a family of four, a household income closer to $90,000 ($7,500/month gross) provides a safer buffer.
Lifestyle Considerations
Of course, the cost of living is only one factor to weigh when considering a move to Smyrna. Lifestyle fit matters too. Smyrna offers a blend of suburban convenience and small-town charm, with easy access to Atlanta’s urban amenities.
Most Smyrna neighborhoods are very car-dependent, so budget for the costs of owning and maintaining a vehicle. Commute times to downtown Atlanta can easily exceed 45 minutes each way. However, for those who work in Smyrna or neighboring cities like Marietta and Vinings, commutes are much more manageable.
Smyrna’s housing market has a mix of older ranch-style homes and newer townhome and condo developments. Prices are lower than in trendier Atlanta neighborhoods, but still above the metro average. Buying a larger, newer home means living further from the city center – it’s a tradeoff between space and convenience.
On the plus side, Smyrna has an excellent public school system, ample parks and green space, and a quaint, historic downtown with local shops and restaurants. It’s a great place for families who want a tight-knit community feel without sacrificing access to big city amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Smyrna?
A: A single person should aim to earn at least $40,000 per year ($3,333/month gross) to live comfortably in Smyrna, while a couple will need closer to $60,000 ($5,000/month gross). Families with children may require $90,000+ in annual household income to meet all expenses with some breathing room.
Q: Is Smyrna cheaper than living in Atlanta?
A: Yes, the cost of living in Smyrna is generally 5-10% lower than in the city of Atlanta. Housing costs in particular tend to be more affordable, especially compared to trendy intown neighborhoods. However, transportation costs may be higher for those who commute into the city for work.
Q: Are taxes high in Smyrna?
A: Property taxes in Smyrna are relatively low at 0.55% of assessed home value. Sales tax is 6%, which is on par with the rest of the metro Atlanta area. Income taxes will depend on your earnings, but Georgia has a flat state income tax rate of 5.75% as of 2025.
Q: What salary do you need to buy a house in Smyrna?
A: To afford a median-priced home in Smyrna (around $350,000 as of 2025), you’ll likely need a household income of at least $80,000 to $100,000, assuming a 10% down payment. Lenders typically want to see a debt-to-income ratio no higher than 36%, so factor in your other monthly debt payments when determining your home-buying budget.
Q: What’s the job market like in Smyrna?
A: Smyrna itself has a modest job market, with many residents commuting to other parts of Cobb County or the greater Atlanta area for work. Major employers in the vicinity include Home Depot, Lockheed Martin, WellStar Health System, and various public school districts. Overall, metro Atlanta has a diverse, growing economy with opportunities across industries like healthcare, technology, finance, and film production.
Q: How much does childcare cost in Smyrna?
A: Childcare costs can vary widely depending on the type of care and the age of your children. On average, expect to pay around $800 to $1,200 per month for full-time daycare or preschool in Smyrna. Nannies and au pairs will cost more ($15 to $25+ per hour), while part-time or in-home care may be slightly less. Budget at least $500 per child each month for childcare if both parents work outside the home.