Many Koreans live in the U.S., but a lot of people still think of Atlanta as a "cheap city to live in."

I used to think that way too. But honestly, that's an old story these days.

Housing prices have gone up significantly, and rent is not what it used to be.

However, it's still not as suffocating as LA or New York, and compared to areas like Palisades Park in New Jersey, it's still somewhat more manageable.

So, I understand why many people moving to the U.S. choose to come here.

The biggest expense is definitely housing.

In the Atlanta metro area, a one-bedroom apartment typically costs around $1,700 to $2,200 per month, while a two-bedroom goes for about $2,200 to $3,000.

Of course, popular areas like Buckhead are more expensive, and if you go a little further out to Gwinnett County, you can find much larger homes for the same price.

Food expenses are also significant.

Just going to the grocery store can be daunting, as filling a cart is not as easy as it used to be. For one person, you should budget around $400 to $600 a month, and for a family of four, expect to spend about $800 to $1,200. Of course, you can save money by cooking at home, but if you eat out often, your budget can quickly exceed expectations.

Fortunately, there's no need to worry about Korean food. There are Korean markets like H Mart and Mega Mart where you can easily find items like kimchi, gochujang, and pork belly.

However, Korean snacks, instant foods, and imported fruits can often be more expensive than at American grocery stores, so I usually buy only what I need at the Korean market and get the rest at Costco or Kroger, which is much more economical.

Having a car is almost essential in Atlanta. It's hard to expect a lifestyle like New York where you can rely on the subway.

So, many people budget around $400 to $700 a month for car expenses, including insurance, gas, oil changes, and tire replacements.

In the summer, electricity bills can also be quite burdensome. Atlanta summers are hot and humid, so you'll likely run the air conditioning almost all day. Combined electricity, gas, and water bills can range from $150 to $250 a month, and many homes see higher electric bills in the peak summer months.

For internet, many people use Xfinity or AT&T, and some areas have Google Fiber available. You can expect to pay around $60 to $100 a month.

For families with children, the biggest burden is daycare costs.

For dual-income couples, it's common to pay between $1,200 and $2,000 a month for one child. It's no wonder that people say daycare costs can be scarier than tuition for a second child. Fortunately, many parents are satisfied with Georgia's free Pre-K program.

Healthcare costs make health insurance very important.

Having employer-sponsored insurance significantly reduces the burden, but individual insurance can be quite expensive, and you need to check the deductibles carefully. In the U.S., even with insurance, you still have to pay for medical expenses, so it's important to understand the system well at first.

By cutting back on dining out and living frugally, you can save more, but living in a good school district or sending your kids to private schools can increase expenses significantly.

Still, I believe the biggest advantage of Atlanta is its balance.

It's not as expensive as LA, nor is it a Korean town like Palisades Park where everything is pricey. It's also not inconvenient like rural areas. You can easily find Korean food, there are steady job opportunities, and living costs are still manageable compared to other major U.S. cities.

While I can't say it's "super cheap" like before, I still think it's an attractive city for families to live in long-term.

And of course, there are far fewer K-pop concerts, large exhibitions, and famous musicals compared to LA or New York. The size of the Korean town is still small compared to LA, and there are many comments about the limited selection of good restaurants.

Also, because the city is so spread out, it's common to spend over an hour driving round trip just to meet a friend. So, some people say, "You save a bit on living costs, but the fun has decreased."

Ultimately, Atlanta can be seen as a city that suits those who want a stable life centered around family rather than a flashy city.