What Is the Average Rent in Georgia? 2026 Guide

If you’re thinking about moving to Georgia, one practical question comes first: how much does it cost to rent here? In 2026, the average rent in Georgia is about $1,440/month, roughly 13% below the national average of $1,661. But that doesn’t tell the whole story: in cities like Columbus, you can pay hundreds less per month, while maintaining access to a strong job market and high quality of life. 

Georgia’s affordability is a bigger deal than ever. According to a recent report by Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, a record 22.7 million U.S. renter households — nearly half of all renters — were cost-burdened in 2024, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities. As that squeeze intensifies nationwide, more people are relocating somewhere their paycheck stretches further, and Georgia keeps landing on the list.

What’s the average cost of rent in Georgia?

In 2026, the average rent in Georgia is about $1,440/month, roughly 13% below the national average of $1,661. Here’s how that breaks down by apartment size:

• Studio: $1,378/month
• 1-bedroom: $1,440/month
• 2-bedroom: $1,614/month
• 3-bedroom: $1,909/month

What’s notable is the trend. While rent keeps climbing across much of the country, Georgia has held steady. The state average actually dipped slightly over the past year (down about 0.3%), even as the national average rose 0.7%. That stability, paired with a cost of living below the national average across housing, utilities, and groceries, is a big part of why your rent dollars stretch further here.

And within Georgia, the average rent cost ranges widely. Even popular cities like Atlanta and Savannah tend to sit below national benchmarks, while in the state’s most affordable cities, like Columbus, you can save hundreds more per month.

Where is average rent the lowest in Georgia? 

If you’re looking for the most affordable cities to rent in Georgia, these five stand out. Here’s a breakdown of the average rent in different Georgia cities: 

City	Average Rent  (All bedrooms and property types)	Best For
Albany	$787/month	Ideal for remote workers or those in agriculture, education, or healthcare. Albany is a smaller, rural city with low living costs — a great fit if you’re looking to live simply and save.
Columbus	$1,092/month	Columbus is ideal for young professionals and growing families seeking a blend of affordable living, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities, including the scenic Chattahoochee Riverwalk.
Macon	$1,019/month	Home to Mercer University and several hospitals, Macon is a good fit for early-career professionals and healthcare workers seeking small-city vibes.
Valdosta	$1,015/month	Home to Valdosta State University and Moody Air Force Base, Valdosta offers small-town charm, proximity to Florida, and solid employment options.
Augusta	$1,126/month	Best for healthcare and government workers. With the Medical College of Georgia and a large VA hospital, Augusta offers a stable job market in a laid-back city near both mountains and beaches.

Average rent in Georgia’s most popular cities 

Curious how average rent prices compare across Georgia’s most well-known cities? Here’s what you can expect to pay if you choose to live in any of these popular places, from bustling Atlanta to charming riverfront towns like Columbus and Savannah.

1. Atlanta, Georgia

The average rent in Atlanta is $1,652, which is just 1% lower than the national average of $1,661. For renters seeking a more affordable option, the average rent for a studio in Atlanta is $1,526 a month. 

The average rent for a one-bedroom in Atlanta is $1,652 a month. For families who need a bit more space, two- and three-bedroom apartments range from $1,951 to $2,264 a month, according to Apartments.com.

If you’re just starting your career or want the appeal of big-city life without the hefty prices of Los Angeles or New York, Atlanta is a great place for young adults to live in Georgia.  Atlanta stands as an epicenter of culture, film, and art in the South. Learn more about the cost of living in Atlanta.

2. Columbus, Georgia

If you’re interested in saving even more, consider renting in Georgia’s second largest city, Columbus. For a studio or a one-bedroom in Columbus, the average rent ranges from $1,068 to $1,090 per month. As one of the best places to raise a family in Georgia, even two- and three-bedroom apartments in Columbus are priced affordably at $1,185-$1,556 a month. 

You can also get more space for less in Columbus. The average apartment size in Columbus is 846 square feet — nearly 100 more square feet than the average apartment size in Atlanta (768 square feet). 

In addition to affordable prices, living in Columbus comes with breathtaking views of the Chattahoochee River, plenty of outdoor activities, and a tight-knit social scene. That’s why many young professionals and growing families choose to move to Columbus.

3. Savannah, Georgia

History and art lovers might be wondering if they could afford to live in Savannah, Georgia. While undoubtedly beautiful, this city is a little bit pricier. The average rent for a one-bedroom in Savannah starts at $1,1528 a month. Two- and three-bedroom apartments range from $1,677-$1,1969 or more a month. However, the average rent has decreased slightly year over year, by 1.3%. 

Higher rents aside, Savannah is often considered one of the best cities to live in the South. This thriving coastal town offers a vibrant downtown scene that is close to popular vacation destinations like Tybee Island and Hilton Head. It’s also home to one of the country’s top art schools, the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). 

4. Augusta, Georgia

Golf fanatics will be excited to learn that Augusta, Georgia, offers very affordable rental prices. In Augusta, the average rent for studios and one-bedrooms is $954-$1,127 per month. Two- or three-bedroom rentals range from $1,245-$1,614 per month. 

Like Columbus, Augusta also has an overall cost of living below the national average. Augusta residents enjoy proximity to both the beach and the Georgia mountains, easy access to interstates I-20 and I-520, and mild winters.

5. Macon, Georgia

Those with a passion for music might be pulled in the direction of Macon, Georgia, where you can rent a studio or a one-bedroom for $1,023-$1,018 a month. Two- and three-bedroom apartments cost around $1,153-$1,275 a month. 

Known as the birthplace of Southern rock and home to legends like Otis Redding and the Allman Brothers Band, Macon has a rich musical history, a lively arts scene, and a charming downtown filled with soul and character. It’s a great option for renters who want affordability without giving up culture or community.

The cost of renting vs. buying in Georgia

If you’re trying to decide whether to rent or buy in Georgia, affordability is likely top of mind. The average monthly rent in Georgia is $1,440 per month, and the average monthly mortgage payment is around $1,720. 

If you have dreams of homeownership, however, it’s not out of reach in Georgia. Compared to the national average home value of $370,320, Columbus, Georgia’s average home value of $174,343 offers a path to homeownership that can feel within reach compared to other parts of the country. 

Georgia is also one of the top states for new home construction, with developments popping up across the state. In Columbus, for example, the newly opened Midland Commons spans 88 acres and features retail, dining, entertainment, and condos. Current and future retailers include fan-favorite brands like Publix, Tropical Smoothie Café, Dunkin’, Panda Express, and Panera Bread.

The bottom line? Renting in Georgia now gives you flexibility and affordability—with the added peace of mind that it’s a great place for first-time homebuyers. Cities like Columbus, Augusta, and Macon offer some of the lowest rents in the state, letting you enjoy a great lifestyle while also planning for your future.

Ready to make your move to Columbus?

Whether you’re considering renting or buying, Georgia offers a wide range of affordable options to fit your lifestyle. From trendy new developments like Midland Commons in Columbus to charming riverside rentals at The Currents or The Rapids, there’s something for everyone.

If you’re thinking about making a move, Columbus is a great place to start. With new housing options and a growing community, it’s perfect for both renters and potential homeowners. To learn more about living in Columbus and finding the right place for you, check out our guide to moving to Columbus!

If you’re ready to learn more about living in Columbus, contact us here. Our team is here to help!

FAQs about renting in Georgia 

Why is rent so high in Georgia?

According to data from Apartments.com, rent in Georgia is actually 13% lower than the national average, at $1,440/month versus $1,661 nationally. If rent feels high, that reflects a nationwide squeeze rather than a Georgia-specific one: a 2026 report from Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies found that a record 22.7 million U.S. renter households (nearly half of all renters) are now cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing. Compared to most of the country, Georgia remains one of the more affordable places to rent,  which is a big part of why people are relocating here.

What is the cheapest city to rent in Georgia?

Among Georgia’s most affordable cities, Albany, Warner Robins, and Valdosta have some of the lowest average rents, generally in the $800-$1,000/per month range. Among the state’s larger cities, Columbus and Macon offer the best balance of low rent and big-city amenities. Columbus’s average rent is about $1,090/month, well below both the state and national averages, while still offering riverfront recreation, a strong job market, and a growing cultural scene.

How is the average rent in Georgia calculated? 

For consistency, this guide uses average rent figures from Apartments.com, which draws on CoStar’s rental database. However, other sites, including Zillow and RentCafe, may offer conflicting average rent numbers. That’s because some platforms track only apartments in large professionally managed buildings, others include single-family houses and condos, and others report the median of whatever is actively listed that month. That’s why one site might say Georgia’s average rent is $1,440 while another says $1,984. Neither is “wrong”; they’re just counting different metrics. 

Is it cheaper to rent in Columbus or Atlanta?

Columbus is significantly cheaper. The average apartment rent in Columbus is about $1,090/month, compared to roughly $1,640 in Atlanta. That’s a difference of about $550 a month, or more than $6,500 a year. Columbus renters trade big-metro scale for lower costs while keeping access to a stable job market anchored by Fort Benning, Aflac, and TSYS, plus Chattahoochee River recreation and a tight-knit community. For renters who don’t need Atlanta’s size, Columbus stretches a paycheck much further.