Alpharetta, GA vs. Roswell, GA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Alpharetta residents pay nearly $300 less per month in housing costs compared to their neighbors in Roswell. This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between Alpharetta and nearby Roswell, perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life costs of these two cities in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how Alpharetta and Roswell stack up:
| Housing Type | Alpharetta | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,450 | $1,650 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $450,000 | $525,000 |
🏆 Winner: Alpharetta. Renting a 2-bedroom apartment costs $200 less per month on average, while buying a typical 3-bedroom home will save around $75,000.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to pay around $180 per month for electricity, water, and gas in a 2BR apartment. Roswell residents may see slightly higher summer A/C bills. Both cities offer “time of use” plans to save by shifting usage to off-peak hours.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are comparable, with Alpharetta having a slight edge.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are nearly identical in Alpharetta and Roswell, based on prices at major chains. Restaurant prices are also comparable, though Roswell has a few more upscale options that may increase the average bill.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Day-to-day costs are similar in both cities.
4. Taxes and Fees
Both cities have a 7% sales tax rate. Property taxes are 0.9% in Alpharetta vs 1.1% in Roswell. Many neighborhoods have HOA fees, which tend to be higher in Roswell ($200-400/month) than Alpharetta ($100-250/month).
🏆 Winner: Alpharetta. Lower property taxes and HOA fees add up to meaningful savings.
5. Cost Summary
| Category | Alpharetta | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR home)* | $1,875 | $2,188 |
| Utilities | $180 | $190 |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 |
| Transportation | $60 | $60 |
| Taxes (property) | $338 | $481 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $550 |
| Estimated Monthly Total* | $3,353 | $3,869 |
*Based on a $450K home price with 20% down and 4% mortgage. Adjust housing costs proportionally for your budget. These are pre-tax estimates.
6. Lifestyle Fit
Alpharetta offers more affordable suburban living, with easy access to parks and top-rated schools. Roswell has a more walkable downtown area and slightly better access to Atlanta via Highway 400. Summers are hot and humid in both cities, with average July highs around 90°F.
7. FAQ
- Is Alpharetta more affordable than Roswell? Yes, Alpharetta has lower housing, tax, and HOA costs on average, making it more affordable overall.
- Which city has lower rent? Alpharetta has lower apartment rents, with a typical 2BR costing $200 less per month than in Roswell.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Alpharetta has lower median home prices, saving buyers around $75K on a typical 3BR house compared to Roswell.
8. Conclusion
While both Alpharetta and Roswell offer a high quality of life, Alpharetta comes out ahead on affordability. Families looking to balance cost and suburban amenities may prefer Alpharetta, while those prioritizing walkability and access to Atlanta lean toward Roswell. Of course, your individual budget and preferences are the ultimate deciding factors.
For more insights, check out these Monthly Budget Examples for Alpharetta Residents or our full Cost of Living in Alpharetta (2025 Guide). Considering other Georgia cities? Browse our cost of living comparisons to find your ideal fit!