Blog > Moving to North Georgia in 2025? Real Cost of Living Breakdown You Need.
Moving to North Georgia in 2025? Real Cost of Living Breakdown You Need.
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If you’re daydreaming about moving to North Georgia in 2025, you’re not alone. More folks are swapping higher-cost places for our big backyards and laid-back lifestyle. Let’s break down what you’ll REALLY spend—and why North GA still delivers amazing value.
🏠 Housing: Real Numbers, Real Value
Cumming: Median home price is around $597K—a bit above average, but great schools and lake access make it worth it.
Flowery Branch: Homes average $434K—perfect for first-timers or growing families.
Sugar Hill / New builds: About 10–12% cheaper than other areas—but don’t forget HOA fees (~$900–1,200/year).
🛒 Everyday Essentials: Smarter Spending
| Category | North GA Index | What That Means |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | 95% | Mild winter = easier on the bills. |
| Groceries | 98% | Perfect timing for Publix BOGO trips. |
| Gas / Transit | 101% | Car is a must—expect $3.40/gal. |
| Healthcare | 96% | Strong systems, reasonable costs. |
💡 Taxes & Fees You Might Not Expect
Income tax: Flat 5.49%, often less than states like NC.
Property tax: Roughly 0.83%, with exemptions that trim the bill.
HOA / Lake fees: Around $2–4/sq ft if you're near lakes or private facilities.
🧾 Sample Budget: Family of 3 in Cumming
Mortgage (4 bed, 2.5 bath @ 6.4%): $3,730/mo
Utilities: $310/mo
Groceries: $850/mo
Cars + Insurance (2 cars): $720/mo
Gas + Tolls: $200/mo
Total: ≈ $5,810/month
That’s comparable to $7K+ monthly for a similar lifestyle in NJ or CA—just a heads up if you’ve been budgeting out-of-state.
📈 Market Outlook: Steady and Smart
North Georgia home values are expected to rise under 3% in 2025, with inventory about 13% higher than last year. That makes it a healthy time to buy before interest drops drive more competition.
💬 My Take
If you want both space and affordability, aim 30–45 minutes north of I‑285. A little commute gets you big yards, quiet streets—and yes, still easy access to Braves games. I'm in the process of editing a video that will dig deeper and have additional insights on this topic so keep an eye on my channel.
👉 Want Your Personal Cost Breakdown?
Book a Zoom with me and let’s talk numbers.