Thinking about moving to Georgia? You’re not alone. With its mix of charming small towns, lively cities, and affordable living in locales like Atlanta, Savannah, and Brunswick, the Peach State continues to draw renters from all walks of life.
Based on U.S. Census Bureau data, Georgia’s population jumped 10.6% between 2010 and 2020. Simply put, plenty of people want to live in Georgia. This hasn’t triggered a massive overall increase in rental prices, though some specific cities have seen surges.
Whether you're relocating for work, family, or a fresh start, here's what to expect when it comes to renting – and how to find the right fit for your lifestyle.
Statewide estimates of the price of living as a renter in Georgia vary quite a bit. Some are between $1,500 and $1,700, while others fall between $1,800 and $2,000 or more. But what ultimately matters more than the numbers themselves is the value you get for your rental. Often’ it’s more space, a better location, and better amenities than you’d find in comparable properties from other states.
Averaging RentHop’s most recent rental prices for properties ranging from studios to 3-bedroom residences gives a reasonable baseline: $1,723.25. (Cut 3-bedroom listings out of this calculation and you get $1,601.)
Both figures are below the national average (about $1,800). Also, prices for studios, 1-beds, and 2-beds all dropped considerably between February 2025 and the same time last year.
The state’s overall rental affordability comes largely from low property tax rates (considerably below the US average). Georgia’s living cost is also generally less than numerous nearby states on an annual basis, including Florida and South Carolina.
Rents in much of the ATL are, unsurprisingly, higher than the statewide average rent in Georgia. You’re more likely to see figures between $1,850 and $2,200, especially in particularly trendy neighborhoods like Midtown Atlanta and the Old Fourth Ward.
You pay a premium for proximity in Atlanta. Whether you love the fine arts, are breaking into the booming film and TV industry, or want to experience the legendary hip-hop culture, it’s all there (and more).
Savannah lies along the beautiful Atlantic coast. Average rent in many of this singular city’s neighborhoods, including the popular Ardsley Park and Parkside, is around $1,700 or less. (However, downtown rentals are far costlier, in the $2,500-and-up range.)
Most people know Savannah best for its historic charms and slight eccentricity. With so many well-preserved structures and a unique culture (visible in restaurants, unconventional boutiques, art galleries, and more), it’s almost like New Orleans’ subtle counterpart.
Rental costs in Ball Ground are a bit higher than the Georgia average, with three-bedroom residences falling between $2,000 and $2,200. However, those costs are for charming suburban homes in a small, quaint city that has truly begun to thrive in the last few decades. Plus, Georgia’s relatively low price of living helps balance things out overall.
Ball Ground is about 60 miles north of Atlanta, not far from the edge of the Appalachian Mountains. The shops along the city’s main street (which form the Ball Ground Historic District) have a charming, undisturbed-by-time feel to them. Unsurprisingly, it holds a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
Also, while the mountains are just outside the city limits, you have a cornucopia of natural beauty within them at Gibbs Gardens. The venue’s annual daffodil festival was just voted the best flower festival in the US by readers of USA Today, and it regularly hosts live music and other events.
Brunswick doesn’t always get the same attention as some of the state’s other cities, but hidden gems never do. Also, more importantly, renting in Brunswick will cost you less than the statewide average rent in Georgia for comparable properties: You can rent apartments for between $1,300 and $1,500, or three- and four-bedroom homes for $1,800-$2,000.
Another port city (about 80 miles south of Savannah), Brunswick was called the “Shrimp Capital of the World” until recently and still has a singular culinary reputation. (Just ask a local about Brunswick Stew.) The city also features plenty of art galleries and theaters, including the famous Ritz in Old Town Brunswick.
Many of the most intriguing rentals in Brunswick are at Walker Point, an ARK Homes for Rent community. These luxury townhomes offer the design, efficiency, and amenities to live comfortably in Georgia at affordable rental rates.
Other ARK communities in the state include Ryman at Farmer’s Crossing in Ball Ground, Riley Place in Dawsonville, and Heritage Pointe in Gainesville. All of these cities are about an hour’s drive to Atlanta, so you’re not far from the state’s chief cultural hub.
ARK can also help if you’re looking beyond Georgia. In addition to the Peach State, we have rental properties throughout Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Whether you're dreaming of coastal charm, mountain views, or a close-knit neighborhood near Atlanta, ARK Homes for Rent has a place for you to call home. Explore our Georgia communities – or discover our rentals across the Southeast – and let us help you find the home that fits your life.
Browse available homes or get in touch with our leasing team today.
