Decatur, GA Utility & Living Guide

⚡ Featured Deal

Essentials for Your New Home

🛒 Shop This Deal Now

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tier 3 Location

Decatur, GA Utility & Living Guide

Decatur is a city in and the county seat of DeKalb County, Georgia, United States, part of the Atlanta metropolitan area. With a population of 24,928 in the 2020 census, the municipality is sometimes assumed to be larger since multiple ZIP Codes in unincorporated DeKalb County bear Decatur as the ad

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$340/mo
1BR Rent$1400/mo
Sales Tax8%
COL Index110 (+10% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$380,000
📷 Live Cameras — Decatur
Live camera
Live · refreshing...
🌤️ Live Weather — Decatur
Loading weather...
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Decatur
Loading hazard data...
💼 Calculate Your Future Retirement Income

Moving Your Assets to Decatur?

Moving to Decatur? Find out how much retirement income you could generate based on your current savings, age, and goals. Calculate Your Retirement Income → Free · Takes 2 minutes · No personal data required
💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

Georgia Power
🔥 Gas

$60/mo

Atlanta Gas Light
💧 Water

$50/mo

City of Decatur Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$20/mo

City of Decatur Sanitation Department
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$340/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1400/mo
2 Bedrooms$1800/mo
3 Bedrooms$2400/mo
Median Home Price$380,000
Property Tax Rate1.23%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

Decatur’s housing market is highly competitive, with a mix of old and new homes, and a strong demand for rentals. The city has a range of neighborhoods, from affordable to upscale. Home prices have been rising steadily in recent years.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

110

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+10% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

102

Healthcare

105

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax8%
Property Tax Rate1.23%
<p>State 4% + County 3% + City 1%</p>

Georgia has a progressive state income tax with rates ranging from 1% to 5.99%

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

60

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+5% (growing)
Political Climate
Blue
Business Momentum
High, with key industries in tech, healthcare, and education
Top Local Concerns
Traffic, affordability, public safety
🚌 Transit for Families

Decatur has a relatively stroller-friendly public transit system, with accessible buses and a downtown area that is easy to navigate on foot

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Zoo Atlanta
  • 🎯
    Fernbank Museum of Natural History
  • 🎯
    Decatur Square

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The Oakhurst and Downtown Decatur neighborhoods are popular with families, offering a range of amenities and a strong sense of community. The Lenox Place neighborhood is also a desirable area, with its historic homes and tree-lined streets.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Decatur based on your household profile.

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

Find Another City Guide

Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.

📊 Decatur — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer months bring higher electricity bills due to air conditioning usage, while winter months see a slight increase in gas bills for heating. However, Decatur's mild climate means that utility costs remain relatively stable throughout the year.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The 30030 ZIP code has a property tax millage rate of 25.75, with an additional 1% local surtax

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

8/10, with wide sidewalks, plenty of park access, and elevator access in most public buildings, making it easy to get around with a stroller

📰 Latest GA Stories
Georgia Living Report — July 27, 2026

Georgia Living Report — July 27, 2026

From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the barrier islands of the Golden Isles, Georgia offers a blend of...

Read more →
Georgia Living Report — July 26, 2026

Georgia Living Report — July 26, 2026

Georgia is increasingly becoming a destination for those seeking a balance between Southern charm and economic opportunity. With...

Read more →
Georgia Living Report — July 25, 2026

Georgia Living Report — July 25, 2026

With a population just shy of 10.7 million and a median age of 37.2, Georgia sits at a...

Read more →
Georgia Living Report — July 24, 2026

Georgia Living Report — July 24, 2026

Considering a move to Georgia? You’re hardly alone. By mid-2024, the state’s population had reached roughly 10.7 million,...

Read more →
Amazon

Get your home essentials, storage, and moving supplies delivered.

Shop Moving Essentials

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.