Cost of Memory Care in Metro Atlanta (2026)

Last updated: January 2026

Memory care in Metro Atlanta ranges from $4,500 to $9,000 per month in 2026. Memory care is a specialized, secure environment for residents living with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other cognitive impairments. Higher staffing ratios, secured entrances, and dementia-specific programming push memory care 25–40% above equivalent assisted living rates in the same city.

Memory Care Cost by City in Metro Atlanta (2026)

Memory Care average monthly cost by Metro Atlanta city, 2026
City	County	Monthly Cost	Communities
Sandy Springs	Fulton County	$5,500–$7,500/mo	12+
Buckhead	Fulton County	$6,000–$9,000/mo	15+
Alpharetta	Fulton County	$5,000–$7,000/mo	10+
Roswell	Fulton County	$5,000–$7,000/mo	8+
Marietta	Cobb County	$4,500–$6,500/mo	20+
Dunwoody	DeKalb County	$5,500–$7,500/mo	6+
Johns Creek	Fulton County	$5,500–$7,500/mo	8+
Smyrna	Cobb County	$4,800–$6,500/mo	7+
East Cobb	Cobb County	$5,000–$7,000/mo	10+
Brookhaven	DeKalb County	$5,800–$8,000/mo	6+
Vinings	Cobb County	$5,800–$7,800/mo	4+
Decatur	DeKalb County	$5,000–$7,200/mo	8+
Peachtree City	Fayette County	$4,800–$6,800/mo	6+
Kennesaw	Cobb County	$4,500–$6,200/mo	7+

What's Included in Memory Care Pricing

Secured, dementia-designed neighborhood with monitored entrances
Higher staffing ratios (often 1:6 or better)
Specialized activity programming (music therapy, sensory rooms, life stations)
Behavioral and wandering-risk management protocols
All meals, snacks, and hydration monitoring
Assistance with all activities of daily living
Medication management typically included in base rate

What Drives Memory Care Costs Up or Down

Stage of dementia — late-stage residents needing two-person transfers cost more
City — Buckhead and Brookhaven memory care runs $6,000–$9,000; Kennesaw and Marietta start at $4,500
Room type — private vs. companion (shared) rooms differ by $1,000–$2,000/mo
Behavioral needs — communities may charge more for exit-seeking or aggression management
Community fee — typically $3,000–$5,000 one-time

Memory Care Cost FAQs

What's the average cost of memory care in Alpharetta vs. Marietta?

In 2026, memory care in Alpharetta averages $5,000–$7,000/mo, while Marietta averages $4,500–$6,500/mo — a monthly difference of roughly $500. Marietta's lower cost of living and larger inventory (20+ communities) drive that gap.

Does Medicaid pay for memory care in Georgia?

Georgia Medicaid does not pay for room and board in memory care, but the CCSP and SOURCE waivers can cover the personal care and cognitive support services delivered inside a memory care community. See our Georgia Medicaid waiver guide.

When should we move a parent to memory care instead of assisted living?

When wandering, exit-seeking, aggression, or 24/7 supervision needs exceed what a standard assisted living community can safely manage. A neurocognitive assessment and a placement advisor's tour comparison typically make the decision clear.

Compare Other Care Types

Altuvo's placement advisors help Metro Atlanta families match care needs and budget to the right community — free to families. Call (404) 482-3240 or request a free consultation.