Decatur, GA vs. Roswell, GA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Deciding between the Atlanta suburbs of Decatur and Roswell? This cost of living comparison breaks down housing, utilities, groceries and more to help you choose the best fit for your lifestyle and budget in 2025. We’ll follow along with the fictional Smith family as they weigh the pros and cons of each city.
Housing Costs: Decatur vs Roswell
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Let’s compare typical rent and mortgage costs for the Smiths’ desired home types in each city:
| Housing Type | Decatur | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Rent) | $1,450 | $1,600 |
| 3BR House (Mortgage) | $1,850 | $2,100 |
🏆 Winner: Decatur. Housing costs are about 10-15% lower in Decatur compared to similar homes in Roswell.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Georgia summers are hot and humid. The Smiths are budgeting for AC bills and comparing utility costs:
- In Decatur, expect to pay around $180/month for electricity, water, and gas.
- In Roswell, similar homes average $200/month for utilities.
- Both cities offer “budget billing” to spread high summer AC costs across the year.
🏆 Winner: Decatur. Utility costs are about 10% lower than in Roswell.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
The Smiths are a family of four and spend around $1,000/month on groceries and household items. They found:
- Grocery costs are similar in Decatur and Roswell, with Decatur being about 5% cheaper on average.
- Both suburbs have a good mix of affordable chain grocery stores and local specialty markets.
- Eating out costs about the same, with entrees around $12-18 in either city.
🏆 Winner: Decatur, but only slightly. Grocery and daily living costs are comparable.
Taxes and Fees in Decatur vs Roswell
Choosing between Decatur and Roswell, the Smiths need to factor in:
- Property Taxes: 0.94% in Decatur vs 1.15% in Roswell
- Sales Tax: 8% in both cities
- HOA Fees: $100-300/month in many Roswell neighborhoods vs $50-150/month in Decatur
🏆 Winner: Decatur. Lower property taxes and HOA fees add up to substantial savings.
Decatur vs Roswell Cost of Living Summary
| Cost Category | Decatur | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,850 | $2,100 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Groceries | $950 | $1,000 |
| Transportation | $60 | $80 |
| Taxes & Fees | $300 | $450 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,840 | $4,330 |
Overall, the Smiths would save nearly $500 per month on their average monthly expenses in Decatur, GA compared to Roswell. That’s $6,000 per year!
Lifestyle Fit: Decatur or Roswell?
While costs are lower in Decatur, the Smiths need to consider other factors:
- Roswell offers more spacious homes and lots, while Decatur is denser with smaller yards.
- Decatur is more walkable to shops and restaurants. Roswell is more car-dependent.
- Decatur has a 15-minute shorter average commute to downtown Atlanta.
- Roswell has lower crime rates and is known for top-rated schools.
Decatur vs Roswell Cost FAQ
Q: Is Decatur more affordable than Roswell?
A: Yes, the cost of living in Decatur, GA is about 10% lower overall compared to Roswell, mainly due to cheaper housing, utilities, and taxes.
Q: Which city has lower rent prices?
A: Decatur has lower rent, with a typical 2BR apartment costing $1,450/month vs $1,600/month in Roswell.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Homes in Decatur are about 10-15% less expensive than comparable houses in Roswell. The median home price in Decatur is $385,000 vs $430,000 in Roswell (2025).
Conclusion: Is Decatur or Roswell Better?
For the budget-conscious Smiths, Decatur comes out ahead with lower costs across the board. However, Roswell may be worth the premium for families seeking more space, top schools, and a suburban lifestyle.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your family’s priorities and personal preferences. We recommend visiting both cities and comparing moving options like pods vs trucks to see which feels like home. Browse more cost of living breakdowns for other Atlanta suburbs and Georgia cities to explore all your options!