Johns Creek, GA vs. Roswell, GA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to the Atlanta suburbs of Johns Creek or Roswell? Many believe Johns Creek is the more affordable option, but a closer look at the numbers paints a different picture. This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between Johns Creek and Roswell, perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone weighing the real-life costs of these two cities in 2025.
Housing Costs: Johns Creek vs Roswell
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage prices compare:
| Housing Type | Johns Creek | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,800 | $1,600 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $550,000 | $480,000 |
🏆 Winner: Roswell. Roswell offers lower rent and home prices compared to Johns Creek, with potential savings of $200/month on a 2-bedroom apartment or $70,000 on a typical home purchase.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to pay around $200-250 per month for electricity, water, and gas in a 2-bedroom apartment. Both cities experience hot summers and mild winters, so seasonal fluctuations are minimal.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are comparable in Johns Creek and Roswell.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery prices and everyday costs like dining out are nearly identical in Johns Creek and Roswell. Both cities have a mix of chain supermarkets and local specialty stores. A couple can expect to spend around $500-600 per month on groceries.
🏆 Winner: Tie. No significant difference in food and daily living costs.
Taxes and Fees
Property taxes are slightly higher in Johns Creek at 0.96% vs Roswell’s 0.92% rate. For a $500K home, that’s a difference of about $200 per year. Both cities have similar municipal fees for services like trash and recycling. HOA fees vary by neighborhood but tend to be $100-300/month.
🏆 Winner: Roswell. Lower property tax rates give Roswell a slight edge.
Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Johns Creek | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR Home) | $4,400 | $3,840 |
| Utilities | $250 | $240 |
| Groceries | $600 | $550 |
| Transportation | $500 | $450 |
| Taxes & Fees | $600 | $550 |
| Misc Expenses | $400 | $400 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $6,750 | $6,030 |
All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax). Keep in mind, your actual budget will vary based on income, family size, and lifestyle.
Lifestyle Fit: Johns Creek or Roswell?
While Roswell is more affordable overall, Johns Creek offers more spacious homes and lots, along with top-rated schools that can be worth the premium for families. Roswell has a more walkable downtown area and closer access to Atlanta. Johns Creek averages about 10 minutes longer commute times to major employment centers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Johns Creek more affordable than Roswell?
A: No, Roswell has a lower overall cost of living, especially for housing. See our full cost of living breakdown for Johns Creek.
Q: Which city has lower rent prices?
A: Roswell offers lower rent, with 2BR apartments around $200/month cheaper than in Johns Creek.
Q: Where is it more affordable to buy a home?
A: Roswell has a lower median home price, with potential savings of $70,000 on a typical 3BR house compared to Johns Creek.
Conclusion
While both Johns Creek and Roswell are desirable Atlanta suburbs, Roswell comes out ahead for affordability, especially for renters and first-time homebuyers. Johns Creek remains a great choice for families prioritizing space and schools who can afford the 10-15% premium.
Budgeting for a move? Check out our average monthly expenses guide for Johns Creek and our 2025 picks for best moving companies.