Home > GA > Affordable Places to Live > The 6 Most Affordable Cities in Georgia

The 6 Most Affordable Cities in Georgia

Budget conscious? Find out which cities in Georgia are perfect for you.

By Bonnie Burch on January 23, 2022

Affordable Cities in Georgia

Peaches and southern accents aren’t the only reasons people are moving to Georgia: This Deep South state is also highly reasonable for budget-conscious residents.

To be clear: This list is not just the cheapest cities in the state; we looked at many more factors in determining it. A high quality of life, for example, as well as a comparison to the average in cost of living to other cities through the state. We also examined transportation and housing options. So, based on this special scorecard, here are six most affordable places to live in Georgia.

Robins Region GA
Warner Robins / Jeff Adkins

1. Warner Robins

Located in Houston County, Warner Robins is nationally known for its airplane history. Robins Air Force Base, one of three Air Force Air Logistics Centers nationwide, is located here, along with the Museum of Aviation and the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame. As of the 2020 US Census, the median household income for residents is $55,163 and the median home value is $178,691.

Residents share a good health index, whether hitting the links at a couple of area golf courses, or hiking the Wellston Trail. Other attractions include Mildred’s Country Store, Warner Robins Little Theatre, and two railroad museums.

2. Duluth

Duluth has become an affordable option for those who want to live near Atlanta, but still want a small-town feel. A part of Gwinnett County, Duluth boasts a median income of $40,685, while the median home value is $421,166.

In the past, the railroad industry was a big economic driver for Duluth and the Southeastern Railway Museum celebrates this. The city is the site of the popular annual Fall Festival, ArtWalks, and the Duluth History Museum.

3. Gainesville

Gainesville goes by several different nicknames including “Queen City of the Mountains,” the “Hospitality Capital of the World” and the “Poultry Capital of the World,” for the number of chicken processing plants here. The seat of Hall County, Gainesville has a median income is $63,651 and a median home value is $362,859. Boaters, fishermen and other water-lovers are drawn to recreational opportunities abundant on Lake Lanier (pictured above).

In addition to water attractions, this northeastern Georgia city presents a haven for those keen on nature, with the Chicopee Woods Nature. Art lovers, on the other hand, will love The Arts Council and the Quinlan Visual Arts Center. 

4. Smyrna

Just outside of bustling Atlanta, Smyrna has really come into its own in recent years. With a healthy median income of $77,713 and a median home value of $458,470, there’s good reason why Smyrna is one of the fastest growing cities in the state.

In order to keep up with the growth, Market Village, a mixed-use development featuring residential and commercial elements, such as retail, offices and restaurants, opened in the city. The paved, non-motorized Silver Comet Trail begins in Smyrna and ends 61.5 miles later at the Georgia/Alabama state line. Smyrna is also known for its great culinary scene.

Marietta GA
Marietta / Photo Courtesy of Marietta Visitors Bureau

5. Marietta

Along with Smyrna, Marietta is the second Cobb County city to make the most affordable cities in Georgia list. The median income is $59,594, with median home values at $459,138.

Even though it’s close to the big city of Atlanta, Marietta is proud of its Southern charm. The focal point is the Historic Marietta Square with its big, old oak trees, gazebo, bandstand and fountain in the center of Glover Park, which is surrounded by shops, stores and more than 30 restaurants. Visitors can take in all the sites on the Historic Marietta Trolley Company, or in the back of a foot-operated pedicab.

6. Newnan

The seat of Coweta County, Newnan is known as the “City of Homes” since many of the old, historic structures escaped Sherman’s scorched earth policy during the Civil War. In Newnan, the median household income is pegged at $66,384, with median home values at $345,826.

For those who love architecture, the 1904 Classic Revival courthouse, with its magnificent dome, fits the bill. As many folks continue to discover Newnan, the city also boasts some of the best dining and shopping in the area.

Array ( [0] => 153472 [1] => 153465 [2] => 153446 [3] => 88732 )
Array ( )
Array ( )
Array ( [0] => 153472 [1] => 153465 [2] => 153446 [3] => 88732 )

More To Read

Newsletter Sign Up

Keep up to date with our latest rankings and articles!
Enter your email to be added to our mailing list.