Kennesaw, GA vs. Marietta, GA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Kennesaw vs Marietta. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Kennesaw vs Marietta in 2025.
Meet the Johnsons, a family of four debating a move to the Atlanta suburbs. They’ve narrowed it down to Kennesaw and Marietta but want to ensure their monthly budget of $5,500 (pre-tax) goes as far as possible. Let’s break down the key costs to help them—and you—make an informed decision.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest line item for most households. Here’s how typical options compare in Kennesaw and Marietta:
| Housing Type | Kennesaw | Marietta |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,450 | $1,600 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $375,000 | $415,000 |
🏆 Winner: Kennesaw. Renting a 2BR unit saves the Johnsons about $150/month, while buying a home is nearly $40K cheaper.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to budget around $200-250/month for electricity, gas, water, and trash. Both have warm summers, so A/C usage peaks in July and August.
🏆 Winner: Tie. No major difference in utility costs.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Feeding a family of four requires smart shopping. Luckily, prices at local supermarkets are comparable, with staples like milk, eggs and bread varying by just a few cents. Eating out costs about 5% less in Kennesaw.
🏆 Winner: Kennesaw, but only slightly. Cheaper restaurants add up over time.
4. Taxes and Fees
Property taxes are a bit lower in Kennesaw (1.2% vs 1.4% in Marietta). However, many Kennesaw neighborhoods have HOA fees that often include landscaping and trash pickup, ranging from $50-200/month.
🏆 Winner: Marietta. Lower property taxes and fewer HOA fees save money long-term, especially for homeowners.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Kennesaw | Marietta |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR) | $1,850 | $2,050 |
| Utilities | $225 | $225 |
| Groceries | $800 | $825 |
| Transportation | $500 | $450 |
| Taxes & Fees | $375 | $350 |
| Misc | $400 | $400 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,150 | $4,300 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
Cost is just one factor in choosing where to live. Consider other tradeoffs:
- Kennesaw has more spacious lots and green space, ideal for kids and pets.
- Marietta offers better walkability and a 15-minute shorter average commute to Atlanta.
- Summers are 2-3°F cooler in Marietta thanks to more tree cover and elevation.
7. FAQ
Q: Is Kennesaw more affordable than Marietta?
A: Overall, yes. Housing and food costs are 5-10% lower in Kennesaw.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Kennesaw. Renting a 2BR apartment is about $150/month cheaper than in Marietta.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Also Kennesaw. The median price for a 3BR house is nearly $40,000 less than in Marietta.
8. Conclusion
For the budget-conscious Johnsons, Kennesaw comes out ahead, allowing them to save around $150/month on core living costs compared to Marietta. However, Marietta could be worth the premium for those prioritizing shorter commutes and walkable neighborhoods.
Every family has unique needs and preferences. We recommend building your own sample monthly budget for Kennesaw or digging deeper into specific costs. With careful planning and realistic expectations, you can make a confident choice between these two charming Atlanta suburbs.
Once you’ve decided, be sure to compare moving company costs and options to get the best deal on relocating to your new home.