Average Rent in Atlanta 2026
The average rent in Atlanta, GA is $1,700 for a 1-bedroom, $2,100 for a 2-bedroom, and $2,600 for a 3-bedroom apartment in 2026. The cost of living in Atlanta is 10% above the national average. To afford a 1-bedroom apartment here using the 30% rule, you need an annual income of at least $68,000.
Atlanta Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$1,700
per month
2 Bedrooms
$2,100
per month
3 Bedrooms
$2,600
per month
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:
1-Bedroom
$1,700/mo rent
$68,000/yr
2-Bedroom
$2,100/mo rent
$84,000/yr
3-Bedroom
$2,600/mo rent
$104,000/yr
Based on the 30% rule: monthly rent should not exceed 30% of gross monthly income.
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.
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.
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.
Planning to rent in Atlanta?