What is MovingWaldo?
MovingWaldo is a one-stop-shop that simplifies tackling moving tasks
Easily compare multiple quotes
Guided through a checklist
Get up to speed on the new deals
Update your address in a few clicks
Are you a company or real estate professional?
Timing is everything, connect with people weeks before they move
Become a trusted vendor in your service area
Extend your customer relationship with your own branded moving platform
Home United States
Moving tips
All Your Burning Questions Answered About Moving to Atlanta
It has been years since Atlanta was named one of the most desirable cities in the country, but it has not disappeared from the spotlight. You can still find many reasons to move to what is commonly referred to as the gateway to the Southeast. Nicknamed ATL, The Big Peach, or The City in a Forest, Atlanta is the capital and most populous city of Georgia. Atlanta is known for its diverse culture and attractions. Atlanta has renowned gardens, theme parks, music, art, theater, museums, and historical sites, which hold deep tales from the American Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. Atlanta is also home to world-famous brands like CNN and Coca-Cola. If you are thinking of moving to Atlanta or, this guide provides detailed answers to all your questions.
Several factors affect the cost of living in each area, the average salary of the locality, the cost of real estate and transportation, and lots more. Thankfully, Atlanta is an affordable place to live. The cost of living in Atlanta is 2% lower than the national average.
Compared to other vibrant and trendy cities like San Francisco, New York, and Boston, living in Atlanta is a steal. Here’s why:
(*Aptamigo)
What Is the Average Salary in Atlanta?
The average salary in Atlanta is about $4,500 per month before taxes, which is $54,000 per year. (*Aptamigo)
The cost to live in Atlanta is $2,550 for one person per month.
Expense | Cost |
Rent – 1-bed outside city centre | $1,600 |
Utilities – Gas, water, electricity, phone & internet | $200 |
Groceries – Fresh produce & refrigerated items | $300 |
Entertainment & Leisure – 5 beers, 1 regular meal + 1 mid-range meal at restaurant, 1 cinema visit & 1 gym membership | $250 |
Transportation & Material Goods – 1 pair of jeans, 1 dress & 1 monthly transit pass | $200 |
Total | $2,550 |
(*Numbeo)
A 1-bedroom apartment in Atlanta costs an average of $1,100 per month outside the city center. A 3-bedroom apartment in Atlanta costs an average of $2,000 per month outside the city center.
(*Numbeo)
For a one-way trip on trains or buses, the MARTA fare costs $2.50. When getting on a bus, you are allowed to pay the exact fare in cash. However, you must use a $2 reloadable Breeze Card or a $1 disposable paper ticket. For more details on the different fare options, see below.
Type of fare | Cost |
Regular fare Up to four transfers within 3 hours. | $2.50 |
Children 46 inches and below. Only 2 per paying adult. | Free |
Senior Citizens, Disabled Riders, and Medicare Recipients | $1.00 |
MARTA Mobility Paratransit | $4.00 |
1 Day Pass | $9.00 |
2 Day Pass | $14.00 |
3 Day Pass | $16.00 |
4 Day Pass | $19.00 |
7 Day Pass | $23.75 |
30 Day Pass | $95.00 |
Group Discounts | A minimum purchase of 200-day passes is required. |
University Pass Monthly | Students: $68.50 Faculty: $83.80 |
Student Pass Program Weekly | $14.40 |
(*Marta Guide)
Atlanta is one of the most important cities in the south and is a popular tourist destination. Since Atlanta hosted the Summer Olympics in 1996, Georgia’s capital has enjoyed a gradual and steady rise in popularity. Whether you desire luxurious resorts or down-home country dining, Atlanta has something for everyone. Both residents and visitors will find activities and attractions in Atlanta to suit all tastes, from art museums to outdoor excursions.
Here are a few places you must visit if moving to Atlanta:
Some activities to do in Atlanta at night include:
Atlanta offers so many fun activities and places to visit for kids. The Georgia Aquarium allows a sleepover that lasts from 7 pm on the sleepover day to the end of the next day. Kids will enjoy sleeping under the sea, snacks, food, and fun presentations. Kids can also visit The Roof at Ponce City and enjoy playing with old-school carnival rides, mini-golf, and lots more. They can also take a trip to Zoo Atlanta to enjoy a feel of wildlife. Animals at Zoo Atlanta include Lions, Bears, Tigers, Giraffes, Giant Pandas, and more. Other fun activities include canoeing the Chattahoochee River, completing the obstacle course at Treetop Quest, engaging in physical exercise like dodgeball at Adventure Air Sports.
Nothing interrupts a day’s activity like unpredictable weather. However, Atlanta offers several indoor activities for everyone when the rain comes down. Here are some fun activities to do in Atlanta when it rains:
Other fun indoor spots include Sky Zone, Stars and Strikes, Southeastern Railway Museum, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Hodgepodge Coffeehouse. Atlanta truly offers an endless list of exciting spots, no matter the weather.
Living in Atlanta offers several benefits when compared to other metro cities. Notable among such benefits is the cost of renting apartments. Reports by the Atlanta Journal Constitution suggest that Atlanta offers a better value than cities with similarly sized populations when you compare housing costs to average household income.
Atlanta is generally safe. However, certain hotspots may spring up due to street gang violence. When visiting or moving to Atlanta, simply avoid sketchy neighborhoods like Adams Hill and Center Hill. Atlanta has occasionally been affected by earthquakes, severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes. The most recent disaster in and around metro Atlanta was in 2009 when continuous rain caused a massive flood that led to the death of at least 10 people and caused damages worth $500 million.