Sandy Springs, GA vs. Smyrna, GA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Meet the Johnsons – a family of four debating a move to the Atlanta suburbs. With job offers in both Sandy Springs and Smyrna, they’re comparing the cost of living to see which city fits their budget and lifestyle. Join them as we break down the key expenses of calling each city home in 2025.
Housing Costs: Sandy Springs vs Smyrna
Housing is often the biggest line item in a monthly budget. Here’s how typical housing costs compare:
| Housing Type | Sandy Springs | Smyrna |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,850 | $1,650 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $550,000 | $475,000 |
🏆 Winner: Smyrna. Renting a 2-bedroom apartment costs about $200 less per month, while buying a home in Smyrna could save the Johnsons around $75,000 compared to Sandy Springs.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Keeping the lights on is a must. In both cities, expect to budget around $150-200 per month for electricity, with summer A/C bumping up the bill. Water, sewer, and trash average $80-100 monthly.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are comparable between Sandy Springs and Smyrna.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Feeding a family of four requires frequent trips to the supermarket. Based on average monthly expenses in Sandy Springs, the Johnsons can expect to spend around $1,000 per month on groceries, plus $400-500 on dining out.
Costs are similar in Smyrna, though budget-conscious shoppers may save 5-10% by favoring local grocers over pricier chains common in Sandy Springs.
🏆 Winner: Smyrna, but only slightly. Savvy shoppers can trim the grocery bill a bit.
Taxes and Fees
Relocating means dealing with new tax rates. Sandy Springs’ cost of living overview notes the city’s property tax rate of 0.85%, while Smyrna’s is 1.1%.
However, Smyrna’s lower home values mean the Johnsons would likely pay less in annual property taxes overall – around $5,200 vs $6,400 in Sandy Springs.
🏆 Winner: Smyrna. Lower home values help offset a higher tax rate.
Cost of Living Summary
| Expense Category | Sandy Springs | Smyrna |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR Home) | $3,500 | $3,000 |
| Utilities | $280 | $280 |
| Groceries | $1,000 | $950 |
| Transportation | $600 | $550 |
| Taxes (Property) | $530 | $435 |
| Misc Expenses | $800 | $750 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $6,710 | $5,965 |
Lifestyle Fit
Cost is just one factor in choosing where to live. The Johnsons are also weighing:
- Smyrna’s walkable downtown vs larger yards in Sandy Springs
- Shorter commutes from Sandy Springs vs better access to Atlanta airports from Smyrna
- More community events in Smyrna vs a wider variety of dining in Sandy Springs
Sandy Springs averages 5°F cooler than Smyrna in July. However, both cities enjoy mild winters and changing leaves each fall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sandy Springs more affordable than Smyrna?
Overall, Smyrna has a lower cost of living, with savings on housing, groceries, and property taxes. However, the difference may be smaller for renters.
Which city has lower rent?
Smyrna has lower average rent, with a typical 2BR apartment costing $1,650 vs $1,850 in Sandy Springs.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Median home prices are about $75,000 lower in Smyrna compared to Sandy Springs. Smyrna’s higher property tax rate is offset by lower home values.
Conclusion
For the budget-minded Johnsons, Smyrna comes out ahead, potentially saving the family over $700 per month compared to Sandy Springs. However, those craving more space and shorter commutes may prefer paying a premium in Sandy Springs.
Every family has unique needs and priorities. We hope this cost of living comparison of Sandy Springs vs Smyrna helps inform and guide the Johnsons’ decision in 2025. For more insights, check out our other cost of living breakdowns for cities across Georgia.