My Two Cents

It's one thing to talk about the cost of living—it's another to see how it plays out in real life. In this series, we'll explore how everyday Atlantans are saving and spending their money—on coffee, health insurance, shoes, and rent.

Tell us how you make ends meet and we may share your personal—but anonymous!—stories and insights here.

Share Your Two Cents

Stories

Meet this library associate from Pittsburgh

Claire Becknell

Meet this library associate from Pittsburgh

Lisa dreams of an electric tricycle with a sidecar for her pets

“I lost hope when it came to being a homeowner in Atlanta.”

Naya Clark, CoL fellow

“I lost hope when it came to being a homeowner in Atlanta.”

Meet an environmental specialist in Cabbagetown who dreams of international travel and a $15,000 raise

Meet this programs and marketing manager from West End

Naya Clark, CoL fellow

Meet this programs and marketing manager from West End

Jenn dreams of leisure time in the North Georgia mountains, biweekly manicures, and a dental plan

How much did you pay for your first apartment?

Heather Buckner

How much did you pay for your first apartment?

Readers and Canopy Atlanta staff members weigh in

Christmas is over. But Santa still has to make a living.

Naya Clark, CoL fellow

Christmas is over. But Santa still has to make a living.

During the holidays, André is the Black Santa of Atlanta. For the rest of the year, he’s a firearms safety instructor, a husband, and a dad.

Gavin Godfrey

In between jobs in Grant Park

This 56-year-old former real estate analyst likes to joke that she’s another local living the life of “home-loaner-ship"

Meet this MRI technologist from East Cobb

Muriel Vega

Meet this MRI technologist from East Cobb

This 54-year-old's family's combined household income—he lives in East Cobb with his wife and son—is $150,000

Meet a part-time grad student living in Hills Park

Muriel Vega

Meet a part-time grad student living in Hills Park

How does this 24-year-old afford Atlanta? Saving money by living with her parents while she earns a master's degree in social work.

Meet this nonprofit development manager from Reynoldstown

Heather Buckner

Meet this nonprofit development manager from Reynoldstown

This 29-year-old non-profit development manager supports himself on $49,000 a year in Reynoldstown, where he pays $1,300 in rent.

We Need You.

The Cost of Living Project is fueled by your stories about the price we pay to live in metro Atlanta. Share your experiences with us by filling out our survey or submitting your story through our My Two Cents form.

Share Your Two Cents

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My Two Cents

Stories

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