Georgia is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. The borders of the state comprise beaches, farmland and mountains, giving a varied, rich natural landscape.
If you are considering moving to Georgia, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved.
Quick Georgia Facts:
- Population: 10.8 million (2021)
- Official Language: English
- GDP Per Capita: $5,023 (2021)
- Random Fact: Georgia is nicknamed the ‘Peach State’ after peaches were first introduced in the 16th Century to the area now known as Georgia
- Currency: US Dollar (US$). As of early 2023, £1 = $1.20, €1 = $1.07, $1 CAD = $0.74, $1 AUD = $0.68
1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Georgia
From State | Approx. Moving Cost |
---|---|
California | $2100 |
Florida | $1500 |
New York | $2200 |
Pennsylvania | $1900 |
Texas | $2000 |
Ohio | $1600 |
Illinois | $1700 |
North Carolina | $1400 |
Michigan | $1500 |
New Jersey | $2100 |
This table lists the state of origin along with the estimated moving cost in US dollars to Georgia. Remember, these costs are approximate and can vary based on factors like the specific locations within the states, the volume of goods being moved, and the timing of the move.
You can also find international moving companies in Georgia here.
2. Georgia Housing Costs
The cost of living in Georgia varies greatly depending on the location. Areas like Atlanta and Savannah tend to have higher rental and housing prices, while smaller towns and rural areas are more affordable. For instance, in Atlanta, the median home value is around $300,000, while in rural towns, it can be as low as $150,000.
Monthly Rental Prices in Georgia:
- 1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: $1,900+
- 1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $1,520+
- 3 bedroom flat in City Centre: $3,275+
- 3 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $2,250+
Georgia Home Purchase Prices:
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: $3,890+
- Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: $2,260+
Georgia Housing Cost Comparison:
This is how rents in Georgia compare with other cities around the globe.
- London is 26.1% more expensive
- New York is 49.1% more expensive
- Los Angeles is 29.8% more expensive
- Toronto is 3.1% cheaper
- Sydney is 10.7% more expensive
- Paris is 16.6% cheaper
- Dubai is 4.4% cheaper
Source: Numbeo
How to Save on Housing Costs:
- Share a Flat or House: Sharing a house or a flat is a way to save on living expenses. You may have to share a bathroom but you will save at the end of the day. A cheaper option is to share a room. Have a look at the following site to find your perfect room or flatmate: Spare Room.
- Different Areas – Different Prices: Georgia has a diverse range of housing options and rental costs that vary based on the region. Atlanta and Savannah are two of the most expensive places to live, with rental and housing prices significantly higher than in smaller towns and rural areas. The cost of living in Georgia can also be influenced by factors such as local job markets, transportation options, and proximity to amenities.
3. Georgia Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs
Georgia is known for its Southern cuisine, with dishes such as fried chicken, collard greens, and peach cobbler being popular. There has also been a recent trend towards farm-to-table dining and craft breweries in cities like Atlanta and Athens.
- Inexpensive Restaurant: $15.00
- Takeout Coffee: $4.65
- Bottle of Coke: $2.10
- 1L of Milk: $0.90
- Loaf of Bread: $2.60
- 12 Eggs: $4.75
- 1kg Chicken: $11.50
- 1kg Beef: $13.20
- 1kg Apples: $5.20
- 1kg White Rice: $4.40
This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.
- London restaurants are 18.4% more expensive and groceries are 26.2% cheaper than Georgia.
- New York restaurants are 30.1% more expensive and groceries are 26.9% more expensive than Georgia.
- Los Angeles restaurants are 25.5% more expensive and groceries are 7.3% more expensive than Georgia.
- Toronto restaurants are 7.5% more expensive and groceries are 5.8% cheaper than Georgia.
- Sydney restaurants are 6.7% more expensive and groceries are 7.4% more expensive than Georgia.
- Paris restaurants are 2.1% more expensive and groceries are 5.8% more expensive than Georgia.
- Dubai restaurants are 2.3% more expensive and groceries are 48.6% cheaper than Georgia.
Source: Numbeo
Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries:
- Know Your Supermarkets: Georgia has a thriving agriculture industry, and there are many farmers’ markets throughout the state where visitors can purchase fresh produce, meats, and other goods. The state is also home to a range of supermarkets, from budget-friendly chains to high-end speciality stores.
- Find Cheap Eats: Georgia has a good selection of restaurants which offer food at affordable prices. Have a look at Trip Advisor.
Georgia Alcohol Costs
Georgia, like all cities in the United States, has plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, whether you want a quick beer after work or a cocktail before dinner.
- Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: $6.00
- Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: $7.00
- Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: $2.90
- Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: $3.90
- Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: $10.00
How To Drink For Less in Georgia:
- Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.
- Take a look at Discover Atlanta.
5. Georgia Transportation Fares
Public transportation in Georgia varies by city and region. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) operates rail and bus services in Atlanta and surrounding counties, while other cities and towns may have local bus systems or limited services.
Here are some sample ticket costs:
- Adult single – $2.50
- One-day ticket – $5.00
- Monthly season ticket, unlimited – $95.00
How To Save Money on Public Transport:
- Buy a bike. Depending on where you live and work, cycling around the city is certainly a viable option.
- Walk. If you live relatively close to where you work, you can walk to work.
6. Cost of Internet in Georgia
Internet prices in the States are expensive compared with many other countries in the world. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from early 2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:
- Sprint: $50 a month (Unlimited high speed except for streaming gaming up to 8mb)
- AT & T: $20 a month (50mb fibre)
- Verizon: $80 a month
7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure
The average yearly temperature in Georgia, US is around 16-22°C (60-72°F), depending on the location. The coldest month is usually January, with average temperatures ranging from 2-12°C (35-54°F), while the hottest month is typically July, with average temperatures ranging from 26-32°C (79-90°F). The wettest month also varies by location but typically falls between May and September.
Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.
- Pair of Jeans: $57.00
- Summer Dress: $37.00
- Running Shoes (Trainers): $78.00
- Business Shoes: $100.00
- Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): $136.00
- Deodorant: $4.00
- Shampoo: $7.00
- Toilet Paper (4 rolls): $4.80
- Gym Membership: $42.00
- Movie (cinema) Ticket: $15.90
Source: Numbeo, Expatistan
8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Georgia
Everyone in the US drives on the right. Many people use their cars for work in Georgia. The rush hour is nowhere near as long as bad as other cities around the world. If you’re moving to Georgia from within the US, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to update your address to your new one.
You can drive on a foreign license for up to 12 months as a tourist but after that, you will need to get an American license. If you are working or studying in the US, you can drive on your foreign license for 30 days. If you want to exchange your foreign driver’s license you have to follow the process here.
Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Georgia:
- Volkswagen Golf: $27,500+
- 1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): $0.87
Source: Numbeo, Expatistan
Ways To Save Money on Driving in Georgia:
- Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try Carpool World.
- Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber or Lyft.
9. Taxes in Georgia
No matter where you live in the State, you will pay federal tax. To learn more about the different taxes in the States go to Immihelp and USA taxes.
In Georgia, the state sales tax rate is 4%, and local jurisdictions may add an additional tax of up to 4%. The average combined sales tax rate in Georgia is around 7.33%.
Whether you own or rent your home, you will be subject to property tax based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in. Learn more about property tax in Fresno at Property Tax.
Finally, if you decide to buy a flat or house in Georgia you’ll have to pay real estate transfer tax.
10. Flight Costs from Georgia
If you do make the move to Georgia, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of early 2023:
- London: $280
- New York: $60
- Los Angeles: $80
- Toronto: $150
- Vancouver: $150
- Dubai: $660
- Sydney: $580
- Melbourne: $1,300
- Cape Town: $620
- Hong Kong: $770
Other Tips on Moving to Georgia:
The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Georgia but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.
11. Moving to Georgia Alone
Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be especially daunting. Here are a few tips about settling in Georgia.
- Meetups: There are many Meetup groups to choose from. You will definitely find something to join which will help you to settle in.
- Attend Local Events: Georgia always has something going on. Have a look at Eventbrite.
12. Moving to Georgia with a Family
Georgia has a number of family-friendly cities and towns, including Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, and Johns Creek, which have good schools and a range of recreational activities. However, the state’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average, particularly in cities like Atlanta and Macon.
- New Parents (or parents to be): There are free and paid antenatal classes and courses. Have a look at Northside Clinic.
- Live in a Family-friendly Area: Georgia has several family-friendly areas to live in, including Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and Milton, all located in the northern part of the state. These areas offer good schools, plenty of green spaces, and a low crime rate.
- Find Things To Do With The Kids: There are many activities for families living in Georgia. Have a look at the following sites to be inspired – Explore Georgia.
13. Moving to Georgia for Work
While it is possible to move to Georgia without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move. Georgia’s main industries include agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing, with leading products including peaches, peanuts, paper, and carpet.
As of March 2022, Georgia’s unemployment rate was 3.9%.
Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:
- Salary: Salaries vary enormously depending on which industry you are in. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Pay Scale.
- How To Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Fresno, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Monster and Indeed. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.
14. Moving to Georgia from Australia
There’s a small group of Australians living and working in Georgia, if you are thinking of joining them, here are a few things to consider.
- Size Comparison: The state of Victoria in Australia is similar in size to Georgia, US.
- Join Expat Groups: Start your own Australian Meetup group.
15. Moving to Georgia from Canada
There’s a small group of Canadians living in Georgia. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.
- Size: The province of Manitoba in Canada is similar in size to that of Georgia, US.
- Expat Groups: Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process. Start a Canadian Meetup group.
16. Moving to Georgia from the United Kingdom
There’s a small number of Brits living in Georgia. If you are thinking of making the move from the UK to join them, then here are a few things to consider.
- Size: Georgia is roughly equivalent in size to the country of Ireland in the UK.
- Expat Groups: If you want to join up with fellow Brits in Georgia, then start your own British Meetup group.
Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Georgia you can start by comparing moving quotes here.