Georgia · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Fulton County, GA

The median household in Fulton County, GA earns $95,292 a year ($7,941/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,820/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $72,800 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 0.1% above the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$95,292$7,941 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,820HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)100.1+0.1% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate16.4¢per kWh · EIA Residential GA
Census Population1,076,561Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Fulton County, GA

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,820Monthly market rent
Share of gross income22.9%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$72,800To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$2,382At 30% of $95,292
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Fulton County, GA

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA HUD Metro FMR Area. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Fulton County, GA
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$1,585$19,020$63,40020%
1-Bedroom Apartment$1,660$19,920$66,40020.9%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,820$21,840$72,80022.9%
3-Bedroom Home$2,182$26,184$87,28027.5%
4-Bedroom Home$2,605$31,260$104,20032.8%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Fulton County, GA →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Fulton County, GA

Based on the local median household income of $95,292/year ($7,941/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$3,971/moRent ($1,820 2-BR), utilities (~$147/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$2,382/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 100.1 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,588/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Georgia

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Georgia state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$95,292
$35,000$195,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$95,292
Net 75%
Fed 13%
GA 4%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$71,861After all taxes
Monthly deposit$5,988Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$2,764Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate24.6%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$12,134 / yr
Georgia state income tax$4,007 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$7,290 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Georgia with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Fulton County, GA

What is the median household income in Fulton County, GA?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Fulton County, GA is $95,292 per year (approximately $7,941 per month).

What is the average rent in Fulton County, GA?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Fulton County, GA are $1,585 for a studio, $1,660 for 1 bedroom, $1,820 for 2 bedrooms, $2,182 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,605 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Fulton County, GA compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Fulton County, GA is 100.1 (0.1% higher than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Fulton County, GA?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,820/month) in Fulton County, GA requires a minimum gross household income of $72,800 per year ($6,067 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Fulton County, GA?

For a typical household earning the median income of $95,292/year ($7,941/month) in Fulton County, GA, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,971/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $2,382/month to discretionary spending, and $1,588/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Fulton County, GA?

Residential electricity rates in Georgia average 16.4¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $147 per month.