Moving to Atlanta, GA

Thinking about moving to Atlanta, GA? Here's the practical picture: the cost of living runs at an index of 99 (100 is the national average), a typical two-bedroom rents for about $1,850/month, summers average 72°F, and Georgia has a top income tax rate of 5.39%. Below: cost of living, climate, utilities, the best time to move, and popular routes into Atlanta.

Cost of living
99
Typical 2BR rent
$1,850/mo
Avg summer high
72°F
Avg winter low
53°F

Cost of living in Atlanta

Atlanta's cost-of-living index is 99 against a national baseline of 100, and a two-bedroom rental averages roughly $1,850 per month. Georgia levies a top income tax rate of 5.39% and an average combined sales tax of 7.4%. Build your first-year budget around these figures, not just the cost of the move.

Climate and best time to move

Expect average summer highs near 72°F, winter lows around 53°F, and about 49.7 inches of precipitation a year in Atlanta. Late September through April — outside the May-September peak season, when van-line capacity is tighter and rates run roughly 15-18% higher. This metro sees heavy annual precipitation — target a drier stretch to protect boxes and floors.

Setting up utilities in Atlanta

Line up your utilities before move day. In the Atlanta–Sandy Springs area that typically means Georgia Power, Atlanta Gas Light, City of Atlanta Watershed. Schedule electricity and gas to turn on the day before you arrive so you never walk into a dark home.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Atlanta expensive to live in?
Atlanta has a cost-of-living index of 99 (100 = US average), with typical 2BR rent around $1,850/month.
What's the weather like in Atlanta?
Summer highs average 72°F, winter lows about 53°F, with roughly 49.7 inches of annual precipitation.
When is the best time to move to Atlanta?
Late September through April — outside the May-September peak season, when van-line capacity is tighter and rates run roughly 15-18% higher.

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Sources

  • MERIC / BestPlaces metro cost index, 2025 — retrieved 2026-01-15
  • Zillow Observed Rent Index (metro), 2025 — retrieved 2026-01-15
  • NOAA 1991-2020 Climate Normals — retrieved 2026-01-15
  • Tax Foundation, 2025 State Tax Data — retrieved 2026-01-15