Located north of Atlanta, Dunwoody, GA, is a popular suburban city known for its beautiful neighborhoods, excellent schools, low crime rate, and abundance of parks and recreational opportunities.
Like any other city in Georgia, the cost of living in Dunwoody, GA, can vary depending on several factors, such as housing, transportation, utilities, and groceries. In this article, we will explore this to help you determine if this city is an affordable place to call home.
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Cost of Living in Dunwoody, GA
Dunwoody, GA, is 4.8% more expensive than the national average and 10.3% more expensive to live in than the average city in Georgia.
A cost of living index is a broad measurement of the cost of different expenses expected by the average person living in a certain location like Dunwoody. The categories include health care costs, transportation, housing, groceries, utilities, and miscellaneous expenses.
Below is a table showing the cost-of-living index in Dunwoody in comparison to Georgia and the United States. This will be helpful in assessing whether moving from your current location to this city will increase or decrease your quality of life.
| Cost of Living | Dunwoody | Georgia | United States |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 104.8 | 94.5 | 100 |
| Grocery | 103.8 | 95.5 | 100 |
| Health | 98 | 99.8 | 100 |
| Housing | 180 | 82.4 | 100 |
| Utilities | 103.6 | 103.2 | 100 |
| Transportation | 118.1 | 105.1 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 103.9 | 83.8 | 100 |
Comparison With Other Cities
Dunwoody is a city in DeKalb County, Georgia. As a northern suburb of Atlanta, Dunwoody is part of the Atlanta metropolitan area.
The cost-of-living index table below compares the affordability of Dunwoody versus Atlanta, GA.
| Cost of Living | Dunwoody | Atlanta | Georgia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 104.8 | 113.3 | 94.5 |
| Grocery | 103.8 | 98.8 | 95.5 |
| Health | 98 | 98.8 | 99.8 |
| Housing | 180 | 114.6 | 82.4 |
| Utilities | 103.6 | 103.6 | 103.2 |
| Transportation | 118.1 | 122.7 | 105.1 |
| Miscellaneous | 103.9 | 103.4 | 83.8 |
Factors Influencing Dunwoody's Cost of Living
Several factors are involved when calculating the cost of living in Dunwoody. As mentioned previously, these include health care costs, transportation, housing, groceries, utilities, and miscellaneous expenses. Below, we will be discussing some of these in detail.
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Housing Market in Dunwoody
Housing is one of the most significant expenses in Dunwoody, with a cost-of-living index of 180.
54% of the city’s population owns their homes. The average home price in Dunwoody, GA, is $512,832 for a single-family home.
On the other hand, approximately 46.0% rent. The average rent in Dunwoody, GA, for a one-bedroom apartment is $2,145 per month.
The table below shows the average monthly rent for apartments in Dunwoody, depending on the number of bedrooms.
| Rental Size | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $2,145 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,405 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,909 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,530 |
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Transportation Expenses
Transportation is another expense to consider when moving to Dunwoody, GA. Although the city is conveniently located just north of Atlanta, heavy traffic can be expected during rush hour.
The cost of gasoline in Dunwoody, GA, is $3.20 per gallon. The city has access to public transportation through the MARTA transit system, which can be a cost-effective option for those who work or commute downtown.
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Education and Childcare Costs
Dunwoody boasts highly-rated public schools, making this city an ideal location for families.
Some of the reputable public elementary schools in the district are Dunwoody Elementary School, Vanderlyn Elementary School, Kingsley Elementary School, Chesnut Elementary School, and Austin Elementary School.
Dunwoody High School is one of the best high schools in the district and is known for its quality education.
If you are considering enrolling your child in an International Primary School, the average tuition for one year is $25,777. The average monthly cost of daycare or preschool is $1,245.
Dunwoody, GA, is home to several hospitals and medical facilities that provide comprehensive care to members of all ages. The city has a range of options for healthcare needs, from primary care doctors, specialists, urgent care clinics, and veterinary services.
Additionally, there are several pharmacies and other resources to help ensure that Dunwoody residents have access to the medical attention they need.
The table below shows the average cost of common health-related expenses, such as medical consultations and pharmaceutical items, in Dunwoody in comparison to the national average.
| Medical Expense | Dunwoody | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optometrist | $129.73 | $125.68 | 3.2% higher |
| General Physician | $128.57 | $135.78 | 5.3% lower |
| Dentist | $144.73 | $113.29 | 27.8% higher |
| Ibuprofen | $10.74 | $10.65 | 0.8% higher |
| Lipitor | $495.22 | $468.60 | 5.7% higher |
Entertainment and Leisure
Dunwoody offers tons of events and entertainment to its residents. One popular event is the Butterfly Festival – a marvelous spectacle featuring hundreds of beautiful butterflies, a Birds of Prey presentation, and a reptile display.
Apple Cider Days and Lemonade Days are two annual Dunwoody festivals families look forward to. There are carnival rides, games, and plenty of activities to be enjoyed by all the members of families.
The Dunwoody Nature Center is a must-visit. This fairytale forest right inside the city offers an interactive playground in the open woods, hammocks and tree swings, and a bubbling brook.
After all the fun, a visit to Village Burger is a great way to simply relax and enjoy a juicy burger or hotdog, some fries, and milkshakes. In Dunwoody, the average cost of eating at a fast-food restaurant is $9.69.
Conclusion
Considering the overall cost of living in Dunwoody is only slightly higher than in many other parts of the country, we can say that living in this city is relatively affordable.
It is worth noting that the many amenities and benefits this city offers justify its slightly higher cost of living. If you are considering moving to Dunwoody, it’s important to carefully assess your budget to ensure that you can afford to live comfortably in this location.
And, if you’re considering buying a home in Dunwoody, GA, I’d be glad to show you all your best options! Please give me a call today at 404-512-1007 or send me an email at billy@billyhoward.net to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of living in Dunwoody, GA, for a single person?
The average cost of living in Dunwoody is $2,364 for a single individual, including rent.
How does the cost of living in Dunwoody compare to Atlanta?
The overall cost of living in Dunwoody is 8.5% lower than Atlanta’s, at 104.8.
What are the best ways to save on transportation costs in Dunwoody?
Dunwoody residents have access to public transportation through the MARTA transit system, which offers a cost-effective option for those who work or commute downtown.