Apartment vs House in Alpharetta, GA: Comparing Monthly Living Costs

By Thomas Greer | Published: June 1, 2025

Renting vs. Owning in Alpharetta: What You’ll Pay

Couple sitting on apartment steps looking at houses across the street in Alpharetta, GA — For many young couples, the choice between renting an apartment or buying a house involves both financial and lifestyle considerations.

When comparing the cost of living in an apartment vs house in Alpharetta, the first factor to consider is monthly rent or mortgage payments. According to recent data, the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Alpharetta is around $1,800 per month. The average rent for a 3-bedroom house in Alpharetta is $2,450 per month. Mortgage payments on a median-priced home are similar, assuming a 20% down payment.

Of course, these figures represent gross monthly costs and don’t include utilities, maintenance, insurance, and other expenses that can vary significantly between apartments and houses. Let’s take a closer look at how those costs compare for renters and homeowners in Alpharetta.

Cost Comparison Table: Apartment vs House in Alpharetta

Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of common monthly costs in Alpharetta:

Expense	2BR Apartment	3BR House
Rent/Mortgage	$1,800	$2,450
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water)	$180	$320
Internet	$60	$80
Renters/Homeowners Insurance	$20	$120
Maintenance and Repairs	$0*	$200
HOA Fees	$0	$50
Total Monthly Cost	$2,060	$3,220

*Included in rent. Estimates are for mid-range units with typical usage.

As the table shows, the total monthly cost of renting a 2-bedroom apartment in Alpharetta averages $2,060, while a 3-bedroom house costs around $3,220 per month, assuming a mortgage. That’s a difference of over $1,100 per month.

Utility and Upkeep Differences Between Apartments and Houses

In addition to higher base rents and mortgages, houses in Alpharetta tend to have significantly higher utility costs compared to apartments. Some key differences that impact monthly bills include:

Larger square footage means higher heating and cooling costs
Older, less efficient HVAC systems and appliances
Water for lawn care and irrigation
Trash and recycling may not be included

Houses also come with more maintenance responsibilities, such as yard work, gutter cleaning, and routine repairs. While newer Alpharetta apartments often include water, trash, and sometimes even internet in the monthly rent, homeowners must budget for these costs separately.

Lifestyle Tradeoffs: Apartment vs House Living in Alpharetta

Aside from hard costs, there are key lifestyle differences to consider when choosing between an apartment or house in Alpharetta. Apartments offer greater flexibility, mobility, and convenience – many are located in walkable areas near shopping and dining. They also require less upkeep and offer amenities like gyms and pools.

On the other hand, houses provide more privacy, space, and control over your living environment. They’re better suited for families, pets, and anyone who wants a yard or private garage. Many Alpharetta residents choose apartments for affordability and low-maintenance living, while families prefer houses for the extra space and suburban lifestyle.

Which Is Cheaper Long-Term: Renting or Owning in Alpharetta?

While renting is cheaper on a monthly basis, owning a home can be more cost-effective long-term. Assuming home values continue to rise, owners build equity over time as they pay down their mortgage. Renters don’t get that benefit.

Let’s say an Alpharetta renter pays $1,800/month for a 2BR apartment. After 5 years, they’ll have spent $108,000 on rent. Assuming 5% annual rent increases, they’ll pay over $124,000 in the next 5 years.

Meanwhile, an Alpharetta homeowner buying a $400,000 house with 20% down would have a monthly mortgage of around $2,200 including taxes and insurance. After 5 years, they’ll have paid $132,000, but gained about $100,000 in equity. Their payments would stay fixed while the home appreciates.

Of course, this is a simplified example that doesn’t include maintenance, closing costs, and other homeowner expenses. Renting offers more flexibility and predictability, which may outweigh the long-term financial benefits of owning for some.

FAQs About Housing Costs in Alpharetta

How much more does a house cost per month compared to an apartment in Alpharetta?
On average, a 3-bedroom house costs about $1,160 more per month than a 2-bedroom apartment when you include rent/mortgage, utilities, insurance, and maintenance.

Do houses in Alpharetta have higher utility bills than apartments?
Yes, houses typically have higher utility costs due to larger square footage, older systems, and outdoor water usage. Expect to pay $140 or more per month compared to an apartment.

Are apartments cheaper than houses even with pet rent and fees?
In most cases, yes. While pet rent and fees can add $25-$50 per month, apartments are still significantly cheaper than houses when you factor in all costs. However, houses offer more space and fewer pet restrictions.

Making the Right Housing Choice in Alpharetta

As this cost comparison shows, apartments are generally cheaper than houses in Alpharetta on a monthly basis. Renters can expect to pay around $2,060 per month for a mid-range 2-bedroom, while homeowners pay closer to $3,220 for a 3-bedroom house when you include utilities, insurance, and maintenance.

However, the long-term cost benefits of owning vs. renting are less clear cut, and depend on your situation and goals. Renting offers greater flexibility and predictability, while owning can build wealth through equity and appreciation over time.