Average Rent in Dalton, GA↑ Rents rising 13.6% YoY🔺 18th priciest in GA
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 143,400
Market Overview
Dalton, GA has rental prices ranging from $754/month to $1,665/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $838/month — 40% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $65,715/year, spending $838/month on a 1-bedroom represents 15% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Dalton Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,100/month, Dalton ranks #18 most expensive of the 114 cities tracked in Georgia — pricier than 75% of all US cities in our data.
The Dalton Rental Market
The Dalton, GA area has a population of about 143,400 and 30% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Dalton, GA have risen by $132/month (13.6%) over the past year, from $968 to $1,100. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Dalton, GA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $33,520. The local median household income of $65,715 exceeds that threshold by $32,195, making Dalton relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Rent vs. Buy
The median home value in Dalton, GA is $243,208, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 18.4. With a break-even horizon of approximately 18 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2025Is Dalton, GA Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in GAlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | $1,591 | $1,653 | $1,830 | $2,205 | — |
| Augusta | $868 | $1,039 | $1,175 | $1,545 | — |
| Chattanooga | $1,231 | $1,284 | $1,426 | $1,796 | — |
| Savannah | $1,324 | $1,431 | $1,584 | $2,131 | — |
| Talbot County | $723 | $767 | $905 | $1,268 | — |
| Stewart County | $770 | $817 | $964 | $1,161 | — |
Rent or Buy in Dalton?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Dalton data
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
Mortgage Calculator
Estimate monthly payment for $243,208 home at 7% rate
Living in Dalton
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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⚖️Rent vs Buy in DaltonIs it cheaper to rent or buy here?
💵Rent Affordability in DaltonSalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in GASee how Dalton ranks statewide
⚖️Compare DaltonSide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
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