Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. With a population of 521,438 living within the city limits, Atlanta is the eighth most populous city in the Southeast and the 37th most populous city in the United States according to the 2024 U.S. census. Atlanta contains a notable number of popular attractions and historical sites, including the Georgia Aquarium and Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. With more than 15 colleges and universities, Atlanta is considered one of the largest hubs for higher education in America and one of the perennial favorite destinations of international students. Knowing the cost of living in Atlanta is important for students who want to pursue further education in Atlanta.
Cost of Living in Atlanta: Accommodation
Where you will live is the first thing students need to consider when they want to study abroad. One of the most important parts of Atlanta’s cost of living is housing. Even though Atlanta’s rent is a bit higher than the national rate, it is still less than the rent in big cities like New York and San Francisco. Atlanta has a lot of different types of rental housing, such as on-campus housing, off-campus student housing Atlanta, and public housing for students. Here is a comparison of them in many aspects.
| Category | Monthly Approximate Price | Location | Safety | Utility Bills |
| On-Campus Accommodation | $800 – $1,200 (depending on room type and meal plan) | Near university campuses | Generally high due to campus security measures | Usually included in the rent |
| Off-Campus Student Accommodation | $600 – $1,200 (depending on proximity to campus and amenities) | Adjacent to or within commuting distance of universities | Varied; depends on neighborhood and complex security | Typically separate; $100 – $200 per month on average |
| Social Housing | $400 – $800 (depending on location and income qualifications) | Various neighborhoods throughout Atlanta | Mixed; depends on specific housing project and area | Separate; similar to off-campus averages |
Off-Campus Student Accommodation
Alternatively, off-campus accommodation caters to students looking for more independence and flexibility in their living arrangements. Rent for off-campus accommodation typically ranges from $600 to $1,200 per month for a shared apartment or room in a shared house, depending on proximity to campus and amenities offered. The cost of off-campus accommodation in other cities of America such as Chicago is nearly similar to that of Atlanta. uhomes.com offers many options for safe, convenient, and affordable student apartments chicago and student housing in Atlanta.
On-Campus Accommodation
Dorms and university-owned flats are popular choices for students because they are close to campus, provide a variety of convenient on-campus services, and typically cover the cost of utilities and amenities like internet and laundry. A shared room at a large university like Emory or Georgia Tech can cost between $800 and $1,200 per month. The specific amount will vary based on the accommodation category and the selected meal plan.
Social Housing
Atlanta’s social housing for students provides reasonably priced housing choices mostly targeted at people or families with low to moderate income. Usually sponsored or controlled by government or non-profit groups, these homes guarantee affordability by means of subsidies. Depending on the particular housing complex and income criteria, monthly rental rates for social housing in Atlanta might vary from around $400 to $800.
Cost of Living in Atlanta: Food
For Atlanta students, where they choose to buy, dietary choices, and eating behavior may all affect the price of food. Typically encompassing basics like fruits, vegetables, and grains, a student’s shopping budget may run from $150 to $300 per month. Apart from that, eating out is a regular activity for Atlanta’s students with choices ranging from fancy cafes and restaurants to reasonably priced fast-food franchises. While higher-end dining experiences might run $30 per meal, a mid-range restaurant dinner can cost anywhere from $10 and $20 per person.
Cost of Living in Atlanta: Transportation
Students’ selected modes of transportation and commuting requirements can affect the cost of their transportation in Atlanta. Many students rely on the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), which operates buses and trains throughout the city and surrounding areas. MARTA offers several fare options, including a monthly unlimited pass priced at approximately $95, providing unlimited rides on buses and trains within the system. This pass is particularly advantageous for students who commute regularly to campus or explore the city frequently
Cost of Living in Atlanta: Healthcare
Several factors impact how much money students in Atlanta spend on healthcare. These include the availability of medical services, insurance premiums, and the amount that students must pay out of pocket. Health insurance packages for students are typically offered by universities at reasonable prices. Usually including not only the most basic medical coverage, these plans also provide access to campus health centres and discounted rates at nearby hospitals. Any healthcare budget should start with funding preventative.
Cost of Living in Atlanta: Entertainment
The cost of entertainment for Atlanta students might vary greatly depending on their hobbies and the activities they pick. Atlanta has a vibrant cultural environment with a wide range of entertainment alternatives, including sporting events, theatrical performances, concerts, and museums. Nightlife choices such as bars, clubs, and music venues drive up the cost of entertainment. The cost of beverages and cover varies depending on the venue and the day of the week. Furthermore, many students participate in free or low-cost activities like as visiting parks, attending community events, or exploring the city’s historical landmarks, which give more cost-effective entertainment options for students.
Tips for Saving Money
- Make a budget: Begin by noting all sources of income and projected expenses.
- Get the Most Out of Your Student Discounts: Inquire about possible discounts before you buy anything.
- Cut Back on Non-Essentials: Consider eliminating or upgrading unwanted services to save monthly.
Conclusion
Atlanta’s varied student population calls for a budget because of the high expense of living. Monthly for students, healthcare, entertainment, transportation, and lodging can be expensive. On this page, students can learn about Atlanta’s cost of living, save money, and improve their social and academic life.
