Kennesaw, GA vs. Alpharetta, GA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to Kennesaw or Alpharetta, Georgia? Here’s a rapid-fire cost of living comparison for 2025:
- 🏠 Median home price: $350,000 in Kennesaw vs $550,000 in Alpharetta
- ⚡ Average utility bill: $180/month in Kennesaw vs $220 in Alpharetta
- 🍎 Typical grocery costs: 5% lower in Kennesaw than Alpharetta
- 💸 Property taxes: 0.8% in Kennesaw vs 1.1% in Alpharetta
For a deeper dive into the pre-tax monthly costs of living in Kennesaw vs Alpharetta, read on. We’ll compare housing, utilities, groceries, taxes, and more to help you decide which city fits your lifestyle and budget in 2025.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Kennesaw and Alpharetta stack up for typical options:
| Housing Type | Kennesaw | Alpharetta |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,400 | $1,800 |
| 3BR Home Mortgage | $1,600 | $2,500 |
🏆 Winner: Kennesaw. A household moving from Alpharetta to Kennesaw might save $400/month on a 2BR apartment or $900/month on a 3BR home mortgage payment.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between Kennesaw and Alpharetta. Expect monthly bills around:
- Electricity: $120 in Kennesaw, $140 in Alpharetta
- Water/Sewer/Trash: $60 in Kennesaw, $80 in Alpharetta
- Natural Gas: $40 in winter for both
Costs rise about 20% in summer. Both cities offer “budget billing” to spread costs evenly across the year.
🏆 Winner: Kennesaw, but it’s close. Utilities cost about 10% less in Kennesaw.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Kennesaw has a slight edge on everyday costs. For a typical family:
- Monthly groceries: $800 in Kennesaw vs $850 in Alpharetta
- Eating out (2x/week): $300 in Kennesaw vs $350 in Alpharetta
- Miscellaneous goods: $400 in both cities
🏆 Winner: Kennesaw. Expect to save around 5-10% on groceries and restaurants.
Taxes and Fees
Both Kennesaw and Alpharetta have low sales tax (6%) and no city income tax. But there are key differences in property taxes and fees:
- Property tax rate: 0.8% in Kennesaw vs 1.1% in Alpharetta
- Trash/recycling fee: $15/month in Kennesaw, included in Alpharetta taxes
- Typical HOA fees: $100-300/month in both cities
🏆 Winner: Kennesaw. Lower property taxes give Kennesaw the advantage, even with a small trash fee.
Cost of Living in Kennesaw vs Alpharetta
To sum it all up, here’s an estimated monthly budget for a family of 3 in Kennesaw vs Alpharetta:
| Category | Kennesaw | Alpharetta |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR Home) | $1,600 | $2,500 |
| Utilities | $220 | $260 |
| Groceries & Dining | $1,100 | $1,200 |
| Transportation | $500 | $500 |
| Taxes & Fees | $600 | $800 |
| Miscellaneous | $800 | $800 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,820 in Kennesaw | $6,060 in Alpharetta |
Lifestyle Fit
Cost isn’t everything. Consider other tradeoffs between Kennesaw and Alpharetta:
- Kennesaw has a small-town feel with local charm. Alpharetta is a booming suburb with more amenities.
- Commutes to Atlanta average 35 minutes from Kennesaw vs 45 from Alpharetta.
- Alpharetta has more walkable neighborhoods and green space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kennesaw more affordable than Alpharetta?
Yes, Kennesaw has a lower overall cost of living, mainly due to cheaper housing. See our Kennesaw cost of living overview for more.
Which city has lower rent?
Kennesaw rents average 20-25% lower than Alpharetta for comparable apartments.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Kennesaw home prices are significantly lower. The median in Kennesaw is $350,000 vs $550,000 in Alpharetta (2025).
The Bottom Line
Kennesaw offers a lower cost of living across the board, making it an attractive option for families and professionals looking to stretch their budget. However, Alpharetta’s amenities, schools, and location are still a big draw for many.
The best fit depends on your priorities. Budget-conscious households may prefer Kennesaw, while those seeking a booming suburb with ample green space lean toward Alpharetta.
Whichever you choose, partnering with one of the best moving companies can make the transition smoother. And be sure to check out our guides on sample monthly budgets for Kennesaw to plan ahead.