Alpharetta, Georgia is a vibrant and growing city located in the northern suburbs of Atlanta. Known for its excellent schools, beautiful parks, and thriving business community, Alpharetta is a popular place to live for people of all ages. If you’re thinking about relocating to Alpharetta, one of the questions you might be asking yourself is: how much do I need to make to live there comfortably?
The cost of living in Alpharetta is higher than the national average, but it’s still more affordable than some of the more expensive cities in the country. According to Numbeo, a website that tracks the cost of living in cities around the world, the cost of living in Alpharetta is 1.2% higher than the national average. This means that you can expect to pay a little bit more for things like housing, food, and transportation than you would in other parts of the country.
The biggest expense for most people in Alpharetta is housing. The median home price in Alpharetta is $449,000, according to Zillow. This is higher than the national median home price of $370,000. If you’re planning to rent, you can expect to pay an average of $1,450 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, according to RentCafe. However, prices can vary widely depending on the neighborhood and the amenities of the apartment complex.
To live comfortably in Alpharetta, you’ll need to make a salary that allows you to pay for housing, food, transportation, and other expenses. According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, the living wage for a single adult in Fulton County, where Alpharetta is located, is $14.67 per hour, or $30,506 per year. This assumes that you’re working full-time, or 2,080 hours per year. If you have a family, the living wage will be higher. For example, the living wage for a family of four in Fulton County is $33.23 per hour, or $69,158 per year.
Of course, the amount you need to make to live comfortably in Alpharetta will depend on your personal circumstances and lifestyle. If you have a lot of debt, expensive hobbies, or medical expenses, you’ll need to make more money to cover those costs. On the other hand, if you’re frugal and don’t have a lot of expenses, you may be able to get by on less.
Here’s a breakdown of the average costs of living in Alpharetta:
- Housing: As mentioned earlier, the median home price in Alpharetta is $449,000, but prices can vary widely depending on the neighborhood and the size of the home. If you’re planning to rent, you can expect to pay an average of $1,450 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
- Food: The cost of food in Alpharetta is slightly higher than the national average. According to Numbeo, the average cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant is $50 for two people, and a gallon of milk costs $2.72.
- Transportation: If you’re planning to own a car in Alpharetta, you’ll need to factor in the cost of gas, insurance, and maintenance. According to GasBuddy, the average price of gas in Alpharetta is $2.79 per gallon. If you prefer to take public transportation, MARTA operates a bus service that connects Alpharetta to other parts of the Atlanta metro area.
- Healthcare: Healthcare costs in Alpharetta are slightly higher than the national average. According to Numbeo, the cost of a doctor’s visit is $120, and the cost of health insurance for a family of four is around $1,400 per month.
- Utilities: The cost of utilities in Alpharetta varies depending on the size of your home and your usage. According to Numbeo, the average monthly utility bill for a 915-square-foot apartment is $141.
- Taxes: Georgia has a state income tax, which ranges from 1% to 5.75% depending on your income. Additionally, Alpharetta has a property tax rate of 1.56%. You’ll need to factor in these taxes when determining how much you need to make to live comfortably in Alpharetta.
Overall, to live comfortably in Alpharetta, you’ll need to make at least $50,000 per year if you’re single, and $100,000 per year if you have a family of four. This will allow you to pay for housing, food, transportation, utilities, healthcare, taxes, and other expenses, while also saving some money for emergencies and future goals.
However, it’s important to remember that these are just general guidelines, and your personal circumstances may require you to make more or less money. For example, if you have a lot of debt or medical expenses, you’ll need to make more money to cover those costs. On the other hand, if you’re debt-free and have low expenses, you may be able to get by on less.
It’s also important to consider the job market in Alpharetta when determining how much you need to make. Alpharetta is home to many large corporations, including Verizon Wireless, UPS, and LexisNexis, as well as a growing number of startups and small businesses. The median household income in Alpharetta is $116,000, which is significantly higher than the national median household income of $68,703.
If you’re considering relocating to Alpharetta, it’s a good idea to research the job market and determine what types of jobs are available and what they pay. You can use websites like Glassdoor and LinkedIn to research salaries for specific jobs in Alpharetta, and to get a sense of what the job market is like in your field.
The amount you need to make to live comfortably in Alpharetta will depend on your personal circumstances, lifestyle, and the cost of living in your specific neighborhood. However, as a general guideline, you’ll need to make at least $50,000 per year if you’re single, and $100,000 per year if you have a family of four, to cover all your expenses and save some money for the future. By doing your research and planning carefully, you can ensure that you’re able to enjoy all that Alpharetta has to offer without worrying about financial stress.
