When deciding between renting an apartment or buying a house in Marietta, Georgia, it’s crucial to understand the full cost of living for each option. Jenna, a 32-year old accountant, is weighing whether a townhome or detached house makes more sense for her budget and lifestyle. “I’m trying to figure out if the extra space of a house is worth the added costs compared to an apartment in Marietta,” she explains. Let’s break down the key differences in monthly expenses.
Renting vs. Owning in Marietta: What You’ll Pay
The cost of living in an apartment vs house in Marietta starts with the basic monthly rent or mortgage payment. According to local real estate data, the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Marietta is around $1,400 per month. For a 3-bedroom single-family house, expect to pay closer to $2,200 monthly, not including property taxes and insurance.
The average rent for a 3BR house in Marietta is $2,200 per month. Keep in mind, these figures represent gross monthly costs before factoring in utilities, maintenance, and other expenses that can vary significantly between apartments and houses.
Table: Cost Comparison – Apartment vs House
Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of common monthly costs in Marietta:
| Expense | 2BR Apartment | 3BR House |
|---|---|---|
| Rent/Mortgage | $1,400 | $2,200 |
| Utilities | $180 | $350 |
| Internet | $65 | $75 |
| Insurance | $15 | $120 |
| Maintenance | $0 | $150 |
| HOA Fees | $0 | $50 |
| Total | $1,660 | $2,945 |
Estimates are for mid-range units with typical usage.
As the table shows, apartments in Marietta tend to cost around $1,285 less per month than houses when accounting for core living expenses. However, the exact difference will depend on factors like the age, size, and location of the property. Newer luxury apartments, for instance, may have rents closer to the mortgage payment on an older or smaller house.
Utility and Upkeep Differences
In addition to higher base rents, houses in Marietta typically come with steeper utility bills. Standalone homes have more exterior surface area, resulting in greater heating and cooling loads. They also often have more bathrooms and water-consuming appliances. Some key cost differences include:
- Water/sewer bills that are 40-50% higher in houses
- 25-35% more electricity usage in houses, especially those with electric stoves, water heaters, and HVAC
- Lawn care and landscaping costs of $100+ per month
- Trash collection fees (often included in apartment rent)
While apartments aren’t immune to maintenance issues, major repairs like roof leaks, plumbing problems, or appliance breakdowns are typically covered by the property owner. Homeowners, on the other hand, need to budget 1-2% of their home’s value each year for upkeep. For a $300,000 house in Marietta, that’s $250-500 per month on average.
Lifestyle Tradeoffs
Of course, monthly costs are only part of the equation. Many people are willing to pay more for a house to gain benefits like additional space, a private yard, and the freedom to paint, renovate, or own pets without restrictions. In family-friendly suburbs like Marietta, parents often prefer houses for the extra bedrooms, play areas, and highly-rated schools.
Apartments, while cheaper, come with potential drawbacks like noise from neighbors, limited parking, and the inability to build equity. However, many Marietta residents choose apartments for their convenient locations, included amenities, and walkability to shops and restaurants. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal priorities.
Which Is Cheaper Long Term in Marietta?
While renting an apartment is undoubtedly cheaper on a monthly basis, some argue that buying a house is the better long-term financial move. Let’s say an apartment renter pays $1,600 per month while a comparable house has a $2,300 mortgage payment. After 5 years, accounting for 3% annual rent increases, the renter will have paid over $103,000. The homeowner will have paid more – $138,000 – but around $40,000 of that will have gone toward building equity.
Still, buying a home involves substantial upfront costs, including a down payment, closing costs, and moving expenses, which can take years to recoup. Maintenance costs and major component replacements, like a new HVAC system or roof, can also outweigh the equity gains. For those who may move within 5-7 years, renting is often the cheaper option when all costs are considered.
FAQs About Housing Costs in Marietta
How much more does a house cost per month?
In Marietta, houses typically cost $1,000-1,500 more per month than apartments when factoring in mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, utilities, and upkeep. The exact difference depends on the size, age, and location of the property.
Do houses come with higher utility bills?
Yes, standalone houses in Marietta usually have higher utility costs due to their larger size, higher HVAC loads, and additional water/sewer needs compared to apartments. Expect to pay 25-50% more for electricity, gas, and water in a house.
Are apartments cheaper even with pet fees?
While many Marietta apartments charge monthly pet fees of $25-50 per animal, this added cost is still far less than the typical maintenance and utility expenses that come with a house. For pet owners on a tight budget, an apartment is usually the more affordable option.
Making the Right Housing Choice in Marietta
For Jenna and other Marietta residents debating between an apartment and a house, it’s essential to look beyond the monthly rent or mortgage payment. Houses come with substantially higher utility bills, maintenance costs, taxes, and insurance that can add up to hundreds of dollars per month. Apartments offer a lower-cost lifestyle but with tradeoffs in space, privacy, and long-term equity.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your budget, family size, location preferences, and long-term financial goals. Use tools like this [Monthly Budget Examples for Marietta Residents](/marietta-ga/monthly-budget/) to map out your expenses and determine how much you can comfortably afford. Be sure to also factor in one-time costs like moving expenses, security deposits, and any initial maintenance needs.
For a deep dive on other homeownership costs, check out this guide to [Understanding Property Tax and HOA Fees in Marietta](/marietta-ga/property-tax-hoa/). By arming yourself with knowledge about the full cost of living in an apartment vs. house, you can make a housing choice that fits both your lifestyle and your budget.