Kennesaw, GA vs. Roswell, GA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Many people assume that Kennesaw is more affordable than Roswell, given its smaller size and distance from Atlanta. But is that really true? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between Kennesaw and Roswell, perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real costs of these two popular Atlanta suburbs in 2025. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax).
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Kennesaw and Roswell stack up:
| Housing Type | Kennesaw | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,450 | $1,650 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $350,000 | $450,000 |
🏆 Winner: Kennesaw. Housing costs, both for renting and buying, are notably lower in Kennesaw compared to Roswell.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills in Kennesaw and Roswell are fairly comparable. In both cities, expect to pay around $150-200 per month for electricity, water, and gas for a 2BR apartment. Costs may be slightly higher in the peak of summer when air conditioning usage spikes.
🏆 Winner: Tie. There’s no significant difference in utility costs between the two cities.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery prices and everyday costs like gas and dining out are quite similar in Kennesaw and Roswell. Budget around $400-500 per month for groceries for a family of two adults.
One notable difference: Kennesaw has slightly lower prices at local restaurants and bars compared to the trendier spots in Roswell.
🏆 Winner: Kennesaw, but only by a small margin thanks to more affordable local dining and entertainment.
4. Taxes and Fees
Both Kennesaw and Roswell have competitive property tax rates around 1% of assessed home value. However, some neighborhoods in Roswell have higher HOA fees that can add $100-300 per month. Kennesaw HOAs tend to be lower, often including landscaping and trash pickup.
🏆 Winner: Kennesaw. Lower HOA fees can mean significant monthly savings for homeowners.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Kennesaw | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $1,450 | $1,650 |
| Utilities | $175 | $175 |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 |
| Transportation | $60 | $60 |
| Taxes & Fees | $250 | $350 |
| Misc | $400 | $450 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,785 | $3,135 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Kennesaw is more affordable, Roswell offers perks like greater walkability, closer proximity to Atlanta, and a vibrant downtown area. Kennesaw provides more space for the money, lower noise levels, and a small-town feel. Roswell averages 5°F warmer than Kennesaw in the summer months.
7. FAQ
- Q: Is Kennesaw more affordable than Roswell?
A: Yes, Kennesaw has a lower overall cost of living, especially for housing. - Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Kennesaw has lower average rent prices than Roswell. - Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Home prices and property taxes are lower in Kennesaw.
8. Conclusion
For most people, Kennesaw offers a meaningfully lower cost of living than Roswell, with potential savings of $300 or more per month. A household moving from Roswell to Kennesaw might save $400/month on housing alone.
However, Roswell may still be worth the premium for those who value its lifestyle perks and proximity to Atlanta. As always, budgets are personal. For more insights, check out these sample monthly budgets for Kennesaw in 2025 or this detailed cost of living guide for Kennesaw. And if you do make the move, our Best Moving Companies Guide can help you find reliable movers to assist with relocation.