What is the Real Cost of Living in Alpharetta, GA?

Located just north of metropolitan Atlanta, Alpharetta offers a unique sense of community, with excellent shopping spots, parks and green spaces, and a quick commute to big-city life in Atlanta. One of the main benefits of Alpharetta is its robust job market, with nearly 700 technology companies located in the city, leading the Atlanta metro area in the information technology sector. Rightfully so, Alpharetta has earned its title of “Tech City of the South.”

Beyond that, Alpharetta has so much more to offer in the way of lifestyle. The lively downtown Alpharetta City Center has no shortage of amenities, with a mix of shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and community events on the roster, creating a vibrant social environment. Add in a multitude of great parks in the area, like Wills Park and Webb Bridge Park, and it’s easy to see why Alpharetta's population has grown by 89% since the year 2000.

Now that you know some of the top reasons to move to the city, let’s take a look at the real cost of living in Alpharetta, GA.

Much like any location, housing will make up the most significant portion of the living cost. The Alpharetta real estate landscape features a wide variety of gorgeous housing options, from master-planned communities and modern townhomes to charming, brick-style estates. You can find architectural styles ranging from trendy and modern dwellings to Queen Anne single-family homes.

Because Alpharetta has so much appeal and allure for home buyers, the housing prices reflect that level of interest. The average sold price in Fulton County has risen from $639,000 to $700,000 in the past year. Likewise, the average rental price in Alpharetta has also increased by 41% in the past decade, with 45% of renters paying more than $1,500 per month, keeping pace with the national trend.

While the cost of housing may be a bit on the high side for some, Alpharetta has so much to offer, from luxury homes to a strong job market, outdoor recreation areas, and more. If you’re intrigued, let’s take a closer look at some of the other costs associated with living in Alpharetta.

Besides the cost of the home itself, real estate seekers should consider the extra cost of utilities every month. Let’s take a look at the most common utilities and how Alpharetta stacks up.

Luckily for residents of Alpharetta, this vital resource does not come at a premium price. The average monthly electric bill in Alpharetta comes out to be about $166, or around $1,992 a year. That figure is 2% lower than the national yearly average of $2,025.

Alpharetta residents come out on top again when it comes to their monthly natural gas utility bills. While the state of Georgia as a whole averages around $141 for its gas bills, Alpharetta comes in under the average again at about $118 a month. While it may not seem like much every month, it adds up to considerable yearly savings.

Residents of Alpharetta should be prepared to pay somewhere in the area of $70 a month. Recently, the Fulton County Department of Public Works raised water rates by about 5%, due in large part to significant investments made into the water and sewer systems throughout the county.

With a seemingly endless supply of great restaurants to visit in Alpharetta, one would expect that the average food cost would be inflated for residents. Luckily, that’s not the case. The average monthly food cost for a family of four in the United States comes in at $1,476, with Alpharetta right behind at $1,474. So, don’t hesitate to check out those fantastic menus!

Like many lively American cities, Alpharetta residents will be car-dependent for their daily commute to and from work and around town. As such, fuel expenses and the cost of maintaining a car need to be taken into consideration. Other fees like car insurance and parking also fit into this equation. Taking a look at the U.S. average monthly transportation cost of $259 for a family of four, Alpharetta residents win out once again by saving over $100, with their average coming in at only $151 a month. In addition, the MARTA bus system is planning to expand into Alpharetta in the coming years. The fare costs just $2.50 for a one-way trip, with passes available.

Those hoping to move to Alpharetta should also keep in mind that the median household income in the city is around $134,000, which is nearly double the national median of $70,784. The earning potential in Alpharetta more than makes up for the higher cost of housing.

Alpharetta is the epitome of a vibrant and expanding city with so much in store. Great parks offer a wide variety of outdoor activities for family and friends. Alpharetta’s strong job market, with hundreds of technology companies located in the city, promises a life of growth and promise along with high median incomes. The bottom line is that Alpharetta is a city on the rise, appealing to real estate seekers from all over the country.

With so many fantastic benefits to living in Alpharetta, it’s easy to see why the city is such an attractive landing spot for potential homebuyers. When it comes time to take things further and start looking at homes for sale in Alpharetta, GA, be sure to work with a skilled real estate agent who knows how to achieve results. Buyers and sellers in the Greater Atlanta area have put their trust in Square Real Estate for more than 30 years, thanks to their exceptional market knowledge and customer-first approach to real estate. Contact the team today for expert guidance in finding your new home in Alpharetta.

_{*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock}