Alpharetta, GA vs. Roswell, GA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Alpharetta vs Roswell. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Alpharetta vs Roswell in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how Alpharetta and Roswell compare for typical housing options:
| Housing Type | Alpharetta | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,850 | $1,650 |
| Median 3BR House Price | $550,000 | $475,000 |
🏆 Winner: Roswell. Housing costs about 10-15% less in Roswell compared to Alpharetta for both renting and buying.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to pay around $200-250 per month for electricity, water, gas, and trash for a typical household. Costs may be slightly higher in summer due to air conditioning.
Both cities offer “time of use” electric plans that provide cheaper rates for off-peak hours. Taking advantage of these can help lower your monthly bills.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are comparable between Alpharetta and Roswell.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery prices and everyday goods are very similar in Alpharetta and Roswell. Expect to spend around $400-500 per month on groceries for a couple.
Restaurant prices are nearly identical, with a typical meal out costing $12-15 per person at a casual eatery. Alpharetta has a few more upscale dining options that may be pricier.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Costs for groceries and daily expenses are almost the same in both cities.
4. Taxes and Fees
Property taxes are slightly higher in Alpharetta at around 1.0% of assessed value vs 0.9% in Roswell. For a $500K home, that’s a difference of about $500 per year.
In Alpharetta, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash, while it’s more common to pay separately in Roswell. This can add $50-100/month in Roswell.
🏆 Winner: Alpharetta. The lower HOA fees in Alpharetta offset the slightly higher property tax rate for many homeowners.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Alpharetta | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR House) | $2,750 | $2,375 |
| Utilities | $225 | $225 |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 |
| Transportation | $300 | $325 |
| Taxes & Fees | $460 | $475 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,685 | $4,350 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
Alpharetta offers more spacious homes and lots, while Roswell provides better walkability and a quaint downtown. Commute times are similar, with Alpharetta having quicker access to GA-400.
Roswell averages 2°F cooler than Alpharetta in the summer months. Both cities are relatively quiet, family-friendly suburbs.
7. FAQ Section
- Is Alpharetta more affordable than Roswell? Roswell has a slight edge for overall affordability, mainly due to lower housing costs. However, the difference is minor.
- Which city has lower rent? Roswell has lower apartment rents on average, by about $200/month for a 2BR unit.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Home prices are around 10-15% lower in Roswell compared to Alpharetta for a similar property.
8. Conclusion
Alpharetta and Roswell offer a similar suburban lifestyle at a comparable cost of living. Roswell comes out a little cheaper, primarily for housing, making it attractive for those on tighter budgets.
However, Alpharetta’s extra space and newer builds may be worth the premium for some families. Ultimately, both cities provide a high quality of life in the northern Atlanta suburbs.
To dive deeper, check out our Monthly Budget Examples for Alpharetta Residents and Cost of Living in Alpharetta (2025 Guide).
Alpharetta, GA vs. Roswell, GA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Alpharetta vs Roswell. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Alpharetta vs Roswell in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how Alpharetta and Roswell compare for typical housing options:
| Housing Type | Alpharetta | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,850 | $1,650 |
| Median 3BR House Price | $550,000 | $475,000 |
🏆 Winner: Roswell. Housing costs about 10-15% less in Roswell compared to Alpharetta for both renting and buying.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to pay around $200-250 per month for electricity, water, gas, and trash for a typical household. Costs may be slightly higher in summer due to air conditioning.
Both cities offer “time of use” electric plans that provide cheaper rates for off-peak hours. Taking advantage of these can help lower your monthly bills.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are comparable between Alpharetta and Roswell.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery prices and everyday goods are very similar in Alpharetta and Roswell. Expect to spend around $400-500 per month on groceries for a couple.
Restaurant prices are nearly identical, with a typical meal out costing $12-15 per person at a casual eatery. Alpharetta has a few more upscale dining options that may be pricier.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Costs for groceries and daily expenses are almost the same in both cities.
4. Taxes and Fees
Property taxes are slightly higher in Alpharetta at around 1.0% of assessed value vs 0.9% in Roswell. For a $500K home, that’s a difference of about $500 per year.
In Alpharetta, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash, while it’s more common to pay separately in Roswell. This can add $50-100/month in Roswell.
🏆 Winner: Alpharetta. The lower HOA fees in Alpharetta offset the slightly higher property tax rate for many homeowners.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Alpharetta | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR House) | $2,750 | $2,375 |
| Utilities | $225 | $225 |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 |
| Transportation | $300 | $325 |
| Taxes & Fees | $460 | $475 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,685 | $4,350 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
Alpharetta offers more spacious homes and lots, while Roswell provides better walkability and a quaint downtown. Commute times are similar, with Alpharetta having quicker access to GA-400.
Roswell averages 2°F cooler than Alpharetta in the summer months. Both cities are relatively quiet, family-friendly suburbs.
7. FAQ Section
- Is Alpharetta more affordable than Roswell? Roswell has a slight edge for overall affordability, mainly due to lower housing costs. However, the difference is minor.
- Which city has lower rent? Roswell has lower apartment rents on average, by about $200/month for a 2BR unit.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Home prices are around 10-15% lower in Roswell compared to Alpharetta for a similar property.
8. Conclusion
Alpharetta and Roswell offer a similar suburban lifestyle at a comparable cost of living. Roswell comes out a little cheaper, primarily for housing, making it attractive for those on tighter budgets.
However, Alpharetta’s extra space and newer builds may be worth the premium for some families. Ultimately, both cities provide a high quality of life in the northern Atlanta suburbs.
To dive deeper, check out our Monthly Budget Examples for Alpharetta Residents and Cost of Living in Alpharetta (2025 Guide).