Is Decatur Expensive?

Atlanta, United States

-5% vs Atlanta avg

Living in Decatur, Atlanta

Decatur is a moderately-priced area within Atlanta, with a cost of living index of 60.0 — that is -5% compared to the Atlanta average. It sits around the middle of the pack at #15 out of 30 neighborhoods. Estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is around $1,568/month, compared to a range of $1,188 in Kennesaw to $2,228 in Buckhead.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

For a typical resident of Decatur, housing takes up roughly 43% of monthly expenses. Food and groceries account for about 15%, while transportation costs around 8%. To live comfortably here — meaning rent stays at or below 30% of gross income — you would need an annual salary of approximately $62,700 before tax.

Typical Salaries in Decatur

Salaries in Decatur reflect the local cost of living. Based on the neighborhood COLI of 60.0:

After tax and deductions of 24.6% in United States, take-home pay for someone earning $62,700 would be roughly $47,276/year. Use the salary converter to calculate an exact figure for your situation, including expat-specific tax adjustments.

Key Stats

60.0
COLI Index
0.95x
vs City Avg
$1,568
Est. 1BR Rent
#15
of 30 Areas
24.6%
Total Deductions

Tax & Deductions in Decatur

Estimated annual deductions on a $45,000 salary in Decatur, Atlanta (local employee).

Income Tax
11%
Social Security + Medicare (FICA)
7.6%
State Income Tax (GA)
5.49%
Total Deductions: 24.6%
Est. Take-Home: $33,919/yr

Rates shown are for a local employee. Use the salary converter for expat calculations.

Salary Equivalents

What a $75,000 USD salary in Decatur would need to be elsewhere:

City Currency Equivalent
New York USD $45,000
London GBP £38,726
Dubai AED AED 225,170

Other Neighborhoods in Atlanta

Neighborhood COLI Multiplier vs Avg
Buckhead 85.3 1.35x +35%
Midtown 79.0 1.25x +25%
Ansley Park 77.1 1.22x +22%
Virginia-Highland 74.6 1.18x +18%
Inman Park 72.7 1.15x +15%

View all 30 neighborhoods in Atlanta →

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Similar Neighborhoods Worldwide

Neighborhoods with a similar cost of living to Decatur:

Pilsen, Chicago Humboldt Park, Chicago Beverly, Chicago Encanto, Phoenix North Vancouver, Vancouver Bonnevoie, Luxembourg City

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Decatur expensive in Atlanta?

Decatur is one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Atlanta. It costs about -5% less than the city average, ranking #15 out of 30 neighborhoods.

How does Decatur compare to the Atlanta average?

The cost of living in Decatur is below the Atlanta average. With a multiplier of 0.95x, everyday expenses including rent, food, and transportation are -5% compared to the city baseline.

Data Sources: Cost of living indices based on crowd-sourced price data and official statistics. Tax calculations follow 2026 rates. Sources include U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · U.S. Census Bureau · OECD Better Life Index. Figures are estimates and may vary based on individual circumstances.