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A key question when moving to a new place is, “What’s the cost of living?”. Georgia, with its history, hospitality, and culture, is affordable. It’s below the national average. But how far does your money go here? What is the cost of living in Georgia? That’s what we will be exploring in this blog.
Georgia is often seen as affordable. Yet, costs vary by location. This includes housing, transportation, healthcare, and groceries. Generally, Georgia is cheaper than the national average. Georgia has many living choices. You can pick from bustling Atlanta, serene towns, or tranquil countryside. However, understanding the cost of living is crucial before moving.
What is the Cost of Living in Georgia?
Georgia is a cost-effective U.S. state. Its living costs are 10% below the national median. Typically, a person spends about $2,196 a month. This makes Georgia attractive for those wanting a good life without heavy financial burdens.
Housing adds a lot of value to this affordability. It’s 21% lower than the national average. However, healthcare is slightly more expensive, which is important for budget planning.
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What Are Housing Costs in Georgia?
Housing in Georgia is affordable. The average price is about $306,000, which is about 21% lower than the national average. However, it varies by location.
- Atlanta: $376,284
- Macon: $149,551
- Savannah: $279,826
How Much Taxes Do I Pay in Georgia?
In Georgia, taxes are divided into three categories: income, sales, and property taxes, which all contribute to overall pricing.
- Income Tax: Based on earnings, it ranges from 1% to 5.75%.
- Sales Tax: The base is 4%. With local taxes, it can reach 8.9%.
- Property Tax: Averaging 0.87%, it is relatively low, making homes more affordable.
These taxes vary by location. Researching local taxes helps you budget better.
Read Related Article: What is the Cost of Living in Wisconsin?
How to Manage the Cost of Living in Georgia
Living in Georgia on a budget is doable with planning:
- Set a Budget: Identify fixed costs like rent and insurance. Then, plan for groceries and entertainment. Tracking spending prevents overspending and ensures savings.
- Explore Discounts: Use discounts, sales, and coupons in cities like Atlanta. Look for promotions in stores and restaurants. Join loyalty programs for rewards. Always check for promo codes online. Combine discounts for bigger savings.
- Choose Affordable Housing: Housing costs vary in Georgia. Cities like Atlanta and Savannah are pricey. Consider suburbs or rural areas for lower costs. This move can save on rent and utilities and allow for bigger homes within the same budget.
- Limit Eating Out: Eating out adds up. Cook at home to save money. When dining out, choose budget-friendly places or specials.
- Shop Smart for Groceries: Look for sales, buy in bulk, and use coupons. Farmers’ markets can be cheaper. Plan meals to avoid waste.
- Utilize Free Entertainment: Enjoy Georgia’s cultural and outdoor offerings for free. Many parks and museums are free, and local events often have low or no admission fees. Check for free concerts or movie nights. These activities are fulfilling and budget-friendly.
- Avoid Impulse Purchases: Make a list to prevent impulse buys. Avoid shopping when bored or emotional. Take a cooling-off period before buying. Unsubscribe from promotional emails to limit temptations.
Utility Expenses in Georgia: What to Expect
Utility costs in Georgia are 13% lower than the national average. Typically, a household spends about $474 each month. This ease in utility costs helps manage budgets.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Electricity: $134.11.
- Water: $28.
- Natural Gas: $118.
- Internet: $30.
- Phone: $114.
Costs vary by household size, energy use, and location. Urban areas may see slightly higher water and internet costs. Still, Georgia’s rates are affordable, supporting its image as a budget-friendly state.
Grocery Prices and Food Costs in Georgia
Food in Georgia is cheap, about 4% below the national average. Residents spend around $438 a month on groceries. Here’s a quick list of grocery prices:
- Milk: $0.95 per liter
- Eggs: $3.29 per dozen
- Bread: $3.10 per loaf
- Chicken Breast: $11 per kilogram
Eating out is also cheap. A casual lunch costs about $16.40. Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant is around $63.70. Fast food is even less, averaging $10. Prices may differ by location, but Georgia stays affordable for cooking and dining.
Read Related Article: What is the Cost of Living in Minnesota?
Transportation Costs in Georgia
Georgia’s transportation is affordable and matches the national average. Both public transit and personal vehicles have reasonable costs.
Key transportation costs include:
- Gasoline: $0.85 per liter. Prices vary but are usually affordable.
- Monthly Public Transport Pass: $64.40, ideal for city commuters.
- Taxi Ride (8 km): $16.70, convenient for occasional use.
Car owners should also consider maintenance, insurance, and tolls. Georgia boasts good roads and transit, making travel efficient and cheap. Rural areas often need cars. In contrast, Atlanta has strong public transport. It caters to diverse needs.
How Much Does Healthcare Cost in Georgia?
Healthcare in Georgia is key to understanding living costs. It is slightly above the national average. Costs depend on personal needs, family size, and insurance. However, with planning, healthcare remains affordable.
Here are some average yearly costs:
- Single adults: $3,198.
- A family of four: $9,149.
A doctor’s visit typically costs about $105. Dental and specialist fees vary. Costs also include prescriptions, lab tests, and emergencies. A good health insurance is vital to manage these costs. Georgia offers various plans to meet different needs, ensuring affordable, quality care.
What Are Education and Childcare Costs in Georgia?
In Georgia, education and childcare are key budget factors for families. The average American parent spends about $7,453 a year on daycare per child, which doubles for two children, making it a major expense.
Public schools are affordable, high-quality, and often the best choice. Private schools, however, are more expensive. For example, international schools charge about $18,128 a year.
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Entertainment and Leisure Expenses in Georgia
Entertainment and leisure in Georgia cost about 4% less than in the rest of America. Some include gyms and outdoor activities catering to different interests and budgets.
- Gym memberships: $40.50 per month
- Movie tickets: $13.90 each.
- Haircut: $17.9
- Brand Jeans: $51
- Brand Sneakers: $84.4
How Much Does It Cost to Live in Georgia?
Georgia’s cost of living is reasonable and differs according to the lifestyle where one stays and the size of one’s home.
Key monthly expenses include:
- Rent cost about $1,379.
- Groceries cost about $438.
- Utility Bill costs about $474.
- Transportation costs about $89.
On average, a spend needs $2,196 to live comfortably in Georgia.
How Beem Can Help Manage Costs in Georgia
Beem is a financial tool for managing living costs in Georgia. Its BFF Budget Planner lets you spend, save, plan, and protect your money like an expert with on-point financial insights and recommendations. By monitoring spending, users can spot saving opportunities.
Beem also provides local insights. It shows various cities’ average rent, utilities, transport, and grocery costs, helping users create personalized plans. Download the app here! By tracking income and expenses, Beem improves financial decisions and reduces stress. It’s perfect for newcomers and long-time residents seeking simple financial management and stability.
Read Related Article: What is the Cost of Living in Connecticut?
Conclusion
Georgia’s cost of living suits everyone, from Atlanta’s urbanites to small-town fans. Housing is often cheaper than the national average. Additionally, essentials like food and transportation are affordable. However, your lifestyle and spending habits affect affordability. So, budgeting is key.
Living in Georgia can be both affordable and enjoyable with the right strategy. This app tracks expenses, manages bills, and boosts financial confidence. Whether you’re in Georgia or planning to move, it’s ideal for making money work smarter.
FAQs for What is the Cost of Living in Georgia?
What is the average cost of living in Georgia?
Living in Georgia costs roughly $2,196 a month per person. This includes low prices for housing, utilities, and food, making Georgia an affordable state.
How do housing costs in Georgia compare to the national average?
Housing facilities are 21% lower than the national average. The median home price is approximately 300 thousand dollars. For a furnished one-bedroom place in the city’s midtown, the price is around 1,150. In smaller cities, prices are even lower. This makes Georgia appealing for homebuyers and renters.
Are utilities expensive in Georgia?
Utilities are cheaper in Georgia. The average household pays approximately $474 a month for electric, water, and gas bills and internet and telephone expenses.
What are the transportation options and costs in Georgia?
Georgia’s transportation costs are moderate. The average price of a liter of fuel is $0.85. Buses and railways are wholly public means of transportation. The monthly travel card is charged approximately $64.40. Car owners need to consider maintenance, insurance, and gas.
How much should I budget for groceries in Georgia?
You should make a budget according to your needs. However, a person generally spends about $438 monthly on groceries. This includes all basic items like milk, eggs, and bread.
