Kennesaw, GA vs. Smyrna, GA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Which city gives you more for your money – Kennesaw or Smyrna? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between these two Atlanta suburbs. It’s perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life monthly costs of living in Kennesaw vs Smyrna in 2025. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax).
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage costs compare:
| Housing Type | Kennesaw | Smyrna |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,450 | $1,650 |
| Median 3BR House Mortgage | $1,850 | $2,100 |
🏆 Winner: Kennesaw. Housing costs an average of $200-250 less per month in Kennesaw compared to Smyrna.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to pay around $180/month for electricity, water, and gas for a 2BR apartment. Costs rise to around $250/month for a 3BR house.
Both cities experience hot summers and mild winters. Running the AC from June to September will increase electric bills by about 20%.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are nearly identical in Kennesaw and Smyrna.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are comparable in both cities, with Kennesaw having a slight edge. Expect to spend around $350-400/month on groceries for a single person, or $800-1000 for a family of four.
Eating out is also marginally cheaper in Kennesaw. A meal at a casual restaurant averages $12 in Kennesaw vs $14 in Smyrna.
🏆 Winner: Kennesaw, but only by a slim margin of 5-10% for most daily expenses.
4. Taxes and Fees
Property taxes are slightly lower in Kennesaw at 0.92% vs 1.05% in Smyrna. For a $300K home, that’s a difference of about $400/year.
Both cities charge around $20/month for trash and recycling. Most neighborhoods in Kennesaw have HOA fees ranging from $30-100/month, while Smyrna HOAs tend to be $50-150/month.
🏆 Winner: Kennesaw. Lower property taxes and HOA fees give Kennesaw the advantage.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Kennesaw | Smyrna |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $1,450 | $1,650 |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 |
| Groceries | $400 | $425 |
| Transportation | $60 | $75 |
| Taxes & Fees | $150 | $200 |
| Misc | $300 | $300 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,540 | $2,830 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Kennesaw is more affordable overall, Smyrna offers a few lifestyle advantages:
- Smyrna is closer to downtown Atlanta, with shorter commute times
- Smyrna has more walkable neighborhoods and public transit options
- Smyrna averages 2°F cooler than Kennesaw in the summer months
However, Kennesaw has more spacious housing options and lower population density, which some prefer.
7. FAQ
Q: Is Kennesaw more affordable than Smyrna?
A: Yes, Kennesaw has a lower overall cost of living, mainly due to cheaper housing, taxes, and fees.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Kennesaw has lower average rent, with a typical 2BR apartment costing $200 less per month than in Smyrna.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Kennesaw has lower median home prices and property tax rates, making it more affordable for homebuyers.
8. Conclusion
For most people, Kennesaw offers a meaningfully lower cost of living than Smyrna. A household moving from Smyrna to Kennesaw might save $300-400 per month on housing, taxes, and daily expenses.
However, Smyrna may still be worth the premium for those who value walkability, public transit, and proximity to Atlanta.
Budgeting for your specific needs? Check out these Sample Monthly Budgets for Kennesaw in 2025 and Cost of Living in Kennesaw: Your Monthly Budget Guide for 2025.
Planning a move? Compare moving company costs and options to get the best deal.