Take renting an apartment for instance. In New York, renting a place within any of the five boroughs would cost around $2,000.00 a month, more or less. Here at Atlanta, it's a little bit lower. The France of a monthly rental fee for a one-bedroom apartment in the heart of the city is from $1,400.00 to $1,879.29. This isn't bad considering that the city has a lot to offer. Now, if you make that into a three-bedroom flat, the range will go from $2,400.00 to $3,770.00. A bit pricey, yes, but nowhere near as expensive in the likes of LA, Washington D.C., and more.
Of course, if you're buying a property in the city, things will really get expensive. There's probably no city in the country, no matter how big or small it is, that buying property won't cost, at the very least, a couple of thousands of dollars. Here in Atlanta, the price per square meter for a place within the city center ranges from $3,229.17 to $7,965.29. Considering the prime real estate, such prices are justified. But for properties along the outskirts of the city, the price per square meter ranges from $1,076.39 to $2,690.98. It's a world of difference in prices!
The good news is the utilities costs in the city aren't as expensive. In fact, the most expensive total of basic necessities costs—electricity, water, heating, garbage disposal, etc.—is $300.00. Considering this price helps you sustain your lifestyle here in Atlanta, it's not that bad! And if you choose to install your own internet WiFi at your place, the monthly fee ranges from $50.00 to $100.00. With such low prices, you can stay connected with the outside world and even work better at your job. Such low costs alone would be enough to convince anyone to move to Atlanta!
Now, when it comes to the lowest costs in Atlanta, food takes the cake! With just a hundred dollar bill, you can already get so many things for your kitchen that can last from one to three weeks! Of course, this still depends on where you go grocery shopping. Atlanta does have its own fair share of swanky supermarkets and organic food fairs that sell expensive items. But a trip to a standard grocery store will only cost you $99.52. This total already includes a dozen eggs, a kilogram each of different fruits, vegetables, and meats, as well as a liter of milk.
What about dining? Is it expensive to eat out in Atlanta? The answer also depends on where you eat. Atlanta may not be on the same level as New York and Los Angeles when it comes to swanky restaurants but it still has its own collection of fine dining establishments. The likes of which will have you spending almost $100 on appetizers alone! If you don't want to shell out that type of money for just one meal, you can opt for a mid-range culinary hotspot. The price for a three-course meal for two ranges from $40.00 to $100.00! Not bad, right?
Atlanta residents are lucky because the city's public transport systems are very much efficient and fast. But best of all, they're also mostly cheap! While a monthly pass in New York or Washington D.C. will cost more than $100.00, here in Atlanta, the most it will cost is $98,00! And remember, such passes will give you unlimited access to most of the city's modes of public transportation. Meanwhile, a one-way ticket on the train will cost around $2.50 to $3.00. As for buying a car, the general range is from $21,800.00 to a maximum of $25,000.00, depending on the kind you go for.
Leisure costs won't reach $100.00 either! The most you'll probably spend on is a premium membership at a gym in Atlanta that will cost about $75.00, give or take. Though for the more high-class fitness clubs, membership fees there will obviously cost more. Still, it's not expensive to work out in Atlanta. The many parks and open streets here are perfect for exercising, just make sure you stay safe, especially at night. Meanwhile, for movie tickets, the price ranges from $12.00 to $17.00. Still not bad, especially considering that the normal price range for the same tickets in other cities are a tad more expensive.
Atlanta schools are not to be overlooked. Some of the institutions here are not only internationally recognized, but they're also well-respected within the country. So it makes sense that enrolling your kid in any of them will cost you quite a lot. And this is the sort of investment that you should really focus on and save up for! For a term in a private or international pre-school, the tuition fee ranges from $700.00 to $1,600.00. When your kid grows up, enrolling him/her in a private or international primary school will cost you between $20,000.00 to $30,000.00 a term.
Compared to the likes of New York, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles, Atlanta residents get to save a lot more money with their living costs. Most of what they have to pay for here are manageable enough for them to sustain their own lifestyles.
Though if you plan to live in this city and you have money to spare, don't hold back and go for a luxury Atlanta rental for your new home. This is another wise and worthy investment!