Cost of Living Guide · Brookhaven, GA
Brookhaven is Georgia's newest DeKalb County city — a close-in, inside-the-Perimeter community with MARTA rail, a walkable Dresden Drive village, and the National Register-listed Historic Brookhaven estate district. It's increasingly upscale, and the cost of living reflects it. Here's the verified picture.
Quick answer
Brookhaven is a higher-cost, close-in suburb. The median household income is about $117,700 and the median home value is around $693,000 (U.S. Census/ACS), with current market prices higher. The combined sales tax is 8% and Georgia's flat state income tax is 4.99% for 2026. You're paying for an inside-the-Perimeter location with MARTA rail and walkable village living.
Yes — Brookhaven runs above the metro average, driven by its close-in location and housing. Incorporated in 2012, it has quickly become one of the more sought-after inside-the-Perimeter addresses, combining the historic estate homes of the Capital City Country Club area with a walkable, restaurant-lined village on Dresden Drive and direct MARTA access. That convenience and cachet command a premium.
The Census-reported median home value is about $693,000, with active market prices running higher. Housing spans large estate homes in Historic Brookhaven, established bungalow and ranch neighborhoods like Ashford Park and Lynwood Park, and newer condos, townhomes, and apartments around Brookhaven Village and the MARTA station. The range of housing types gives some budget flexibility within a generally upscale market.
Electricity is provided by Georgia Power; water and sewer through DeKalb County; natural gas on the Atlanta Gas Light network via competing marketers. Summer air-conditioning is the biggest seasonal cost. Set utilities to start on your move-in date.
Brookhaven has MARTA heavy rail: the Gold Line's Brookhaven/Oglethorpe station sits on Peachtree Road in the heart of the city, with a direct ride to Buckhead, Midtown, Downtown, and the airport. Main roads include Peachtree Road (GA-141), Ashford-Dunwoody Road, North Druid Hills Road, and Buford Highway, with GA-400 and I-85 nearby. Being inside the Perimeter with rail access can meaningfully cut commuting costs.
Brookhaven is served by the DeKalb County School District (no independent city system). Public high schools serving parts of the city include Cross Keys High School (located in Brookhaven and undergoing a major renovation) and, for some areas, Chamblee High School. Attendance zones vary within the city, so confirm the specific zone for any address. The city is also home to Oglethorpe University.
Condos and apartments around Dresden Drive and the MARTA station typically require a certificate of insurance and a reserved freight elevator; older estate homes can mean tight access and stairs. Month-end is the busiest window. LIOO's Brookhaven moversMoving to Brookhaven handle local moves, our apartment movers are COI-ready, and long-distance movers bring households in from out of state.
Comparing close-in DeKalb cities? See our Decatur vs. Brookhaven guide.
| Measure | Brookhaven | Metro Atlanta | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income | ~$117,700 | ≈ $85,000 | ≈ $78,000 |
| Median home value | ~$693,000 | ≈ $380,000 | ≈ $340,000 |
| Combined sales tax | 8% | 6–8.9% | varies |
| MARTA rail access | Yes (Gold Line) | Partial | — |
Income and home-value figures reflect U.S. Census Bureau (ACS) data; market prices run higher. Metro and U.S. columns are rounded reference points.
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