Sandy Springs, GA vs. Alpharetta, GA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to Sandy Springs or Alpharetta, Georgia? Let’s dive into a rapid-fire cost of living comparison for 2025:
- 🏠 Median home price: $525K in Sandy Springs vs $600K in Alpharetta
- 🏢 Average 2BR rent: $1,800 in Sandy Springs vs $2,100 in Alpharetta
- 🔌 Typical utility bills: $180/mo in Sandy Springs vs $210/mo in Alpharetta
- 🥑 Grocery costs: 5% lower in Sandy Springs
- 💸 Sales tax: 7.75% in both cities
For a detailed cost breakdown, read on as we compare living expenses in Sandy Springs and Alpharetta, perfect for anyone relocating, choosing between job offers, or budgeting in 2025. Note that all income figures are expressed as gross monthly income (pre-tax).
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest line item in any cost of living comparison. Here’s how Sandy Springs and Alpharetta stack up for common housing types:
| Housing Type | Sandy Springs | Alpharetta |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $525,000 | $600,000 |
| Mortgage Payment (20% down) | $2,380 | $2,720 |
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,800 | $2,100 |
| 3BR House Rent | $2,400 | $2,800 |
🏆 Winner: Sandy Springs. Housing costs across the board are 10-15% lower in Sandy Springs compared to Alpharetta.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly comparable between the two cities, but Sandy Springs has a slight edge:
- Typical monthly utility bills average $180 in Sandy Springs vs $210 in Alpharetta
- Both cities experience hot summers and mild winters, with 10-20% higher A/C usage June-September
- Special off-peak pricing plans are available from Georgia Power in both cities
🏆 Winner: Sandy Springs. Expect to pay around $30/month less for utilities in Sandy Springs.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries and everyday items are very similarly priced in Sandy Springs and Alpharetta. Publix, Kroger, and Whole Foods Market are popular in both cities.
Based on average monthly expenses in Sandy Springs, a typical family of 4 spends around $1,100/month on groceries and dining out. Alpharetta prices are about 5% higher across major grocery chains and restaurants.
🏆 Winner: Sandy Springs, but only by a slight margin. Expect groceries to cost $50-$75/month more in Alpharetta.
4. Taxes and Fees
Key tax differences between Sandy Springs and Alpharetta:
- Sales tax is 7.75% in both cities
- Sandy Springs property tax rate is 4.731%, vs 5.750% in Alpharetta
- Vehicle taxes are $20 per $1,000 of assessed value in both cities
- Trash and sewer fees are similar, around $50/month
🏆 Winner: Sandy Springs. The lower property tax rate gives Sandy Springs the advantage, especially for high-value homes.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Sandy Springs | Alpharetta |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR rent) | $2,400 | $2,800 |
| Utilities | $180 | $210 |
| Groceries | $1,100 | $1,155 |
| Transportation | $550 | $550 |
| Taxes (property) | 4.731% | 5.750% |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,730 | $5,215 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Sandy Springs is more affordable overall, Alpharetta has some lifestyle advantages:
- Alpharetta offers more spacious homes and larger lots
- Sandy Springs is more walkable with a denser town center
- Commutes to Atlanta are 10-15 minutes shorter from Sandy Springs
- Alpharetta averages 2°F cooler than Sandy Springs in July
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Sandy Springs more affordable than Alpharetta?
A: Yes, the cost of living is around 10% lower in Sandy Springs. Housing and utilities are the biggest factors.
Q: Which city has lower rent prices?
A: Sandy Springs. Expect to pay $300-$400 less per month to rent a house or apartment compared to Alpharetta.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Sandy Springs, thanks to lower median home prices and property tax rates. Buying in Sandy Springs could save $75,000 or more on a typical home.
8. Conclusion
While Sandy Springs has the overall cost of living advantage, Alpharetta remains an attractive choice for those prioritizing space and newer housing. A household moving from Alpharetta to Sandy Springs might save $400/month on housing alone.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your budget, commute, and lifestyle priorities. Be sure to compare detailed cost of living breakdowns for each city before making your decision.