Average Rent in Atlanta 2026
Atlanta Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$1,700
per month
2 Bedrooms
$2,100
per month
3 Bedrooms
$2,600
per month
Monthly Housing Cost Breakdown in Atlanta
Rent is only part of your monthly housing cost. Here is what the average Atlanta renter pays when you add utilities, internet, and renters insurance to rent.
| Expense | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $1,700 | $2,100 | $2,600 |
| Utilities (electric, gas, water, trash) | $105 | $130 | $160 |
| Internet | $70 | $70 | $70 |
| Renters insurance | $17 | $20 | $23 |
| Total monthly | $1,892 | $2,320 | $2,853 |
Utility estimates scale with Atlanta’s cost of living index (110). Your actual bill depends on unit size, climate, and individual usage.
Cost of Living in Atlanta
110
Cost of Living Index (100 = national average)
Atlanta's cost of living index is 110, which is 10% above the national average. This index factors in housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. A higher number means you need more income to maintain the same standard of living compared to the national average.
Atlanta at a Glance
Population
499K
Median Income
$65,345
COL Index
110
Rent Control
No
How Much Income Do You Need to Rent in Atlanta?
The widely accepted guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Here is the minimum annual income you need to afford an apartment in Atlanta by bedroom count.
| Apartment | Monthly Rent | Min Annual Income | Min Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom | $1,700/mo | $68,000 | $32.69/hr |
| 2-Bedroom | $2,100/mo | $84,000 | $40.38/hr |
| 3-Bedroom | $2,600/mo | $104,000 | $50/hr |
Based on the 30% rule and a 2,080-hour work year. Many landlords also require gross income of 2.5x to 3x the monthly rent or a guarantor who earns 80x rent annually.
What Rent Can You Afford in Atlanta at Your Income?
Use this table to see the maximum monthly rent you can afford at different income levels, and which Atlanta apartment sizes that fits.
| Annual Income | Gross Monthly | Max Rent (30%) | Fits in Atlanta |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000/yr | $3,333 | $1,000 | Roommate required |
| $60,000/yr | $5,000 | $1,500 | Studio or roommate |
| $80,000/yr | $6,667 | $2,000 | 1-bedroom |
| $100,000/yr | $8,333 | $2,500 | 2-bedroom or smaller |
| $150,000/yr | $12,500 | $3,750 | 3-bedroom or smaller |
If your income puts a solo 1-bedroom out of reach, splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate drops your share to $1,050 in Atlanta — often the difference between affordable and not.
How Much You Save with a Roommate in Atlanta
Save $650/month
by splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate
Solo 1BR
$1,700
per month
Split 2BR
$1,050
per person/month
Annual Savings
$7,800
per year
Instead of paying $1,700 for a 1-bedroom on your own, splitting a 2-bedroom ($2,100) with one roommate brings your share to $1,050. That is $7,800 per year you could put toward savings, investments, or paying down debt. See the fair rent split calculator when rooms aren’t equal sizes.
Move-In Costs in Atlanta
On top of your first month's rent, expect these upfront costs before the keys are in your hand. Plan for roughly 2-3 months of rent saved before signing a lease.
Security Deposit
$1,700–$3,400
1-2 months' rent, refundable
First Month
$1,700
Due at lease signing
Broker/App Fees
$50–$1,700
Varies by market and listing
Total upfront cash to sign a 1-bedroom lease in Atlanta: $3,450–$6,800 depending on broker fees and deposit size.
Rent Control in Atlanta
Atlanta, GA does not currently have rent control or rent stabilization laws. Landlords can raise rent by any amount at lease renewal, though they are typically required to provide advance notice (usually 30-60 days). If you are concerned about rent increases, consider negotiating a longer lease term for price stability.
How Atlanta Compares to Other US Cities
Atlanta sits slightly above the US average on rent. Compare the 1-bedroom price with nearby tiers to see where you could move to spend less, or what to expect if you go pricier.
Cheaper than Atlanta
See the full comparison across 50 US cities on the rent data hub or the cost of living comparison.
Rent Calculators for Atlanta Renters
Use these free calculators to plan your Atlanta rental budget, split rent with roommates, and check if you qualify for an apartment.
Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can afford based on your income.
Fair Rent Split Calculator
Split rent fairly by room size, features, and income.
Rent-to-Income Calculator
Check if you meet the 3x rent rule landlords require.
Renter Budget Calculator
Build a 50/30/20 budget around your rent payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Atlanta
Is Atlanta expensive to rent in?
Atlanta is moderately priced for a major metro. A 1-bedroom averages $1,700 per month in 2026, about 10% above the national average. Midtown and Buckhead command higher rents, while neighborhoods outside the Perimeter offer better value.
How much income do you need to rent in Atlanta?
Using the 30% rule, you need about $5,667 per month ($68,000 annually) to afford an average $1,700/month 1-bedroom apartment in Atlanta.
How much can you save by splitting rent with a roommate in Atlanta?
Splitting a 2-bedroom ($2,100/month) with one roommate brings your share to $1,050, saving $650 per month or $7,800 per year versus renting a 1-bedroom alone.
What utilities should you budget for in Atlanta?
Renters in Atlanta typically pay about $105 per month for utilities (electric, gas, water, trash) on a 1-bedroom apartment. Internet adds another $60-$80 per month, and renters insurance runs around $17 per month. Altogether, plan for roughly $192 on top of your $1,700 rent.
How much is a security deposit in Atlanta?
Most Atlanta landlords ask for a security deposit equal to 1 month's rent — about $1,700 for a 1-bedroom at the Atlanta average. Some properties charge up to 2 months ($3,400), especially for tenants without local rental history or with lower credit scores. Pet deposits usually add another $250-$500 on top.
Is Atlanta affordable on the median household income?
Not comfortably. The median household income in Atlanta is $65,345 (about $5,445 per month), and the average 1-bedroom rent of $1,700 eats up about 31% of gross monthly income — well above the 30% rule. Many Atlanta renters split a 2-bedroom with a roommate or look for units in the city's cheaper neighborhoods to bring the share below 30%.
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Topic Guide
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Pillar Guide
The Complete Guide to Ratio Calculations
Ratios, percentages, and fractions — how they connect and when to use each for any splitting decision.
Planning to rent in Atlanta?