Marietta, GA vs. Roswell, GA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Marietta vs Roswell. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Marietta vs Roswell in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference between Marietta and Roswell. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage costs compare:
| Housing Type | Marietta | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,450 | $1,650 |
| 3BR Home Mortgage | $1,800 | $2,100 |
🏆 Winner: Marietta. Housing costs are about 12-15% lower in Marietta compared to Roswell.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities, with Marietta having a slight edge:
- In Marietta, expect to pay around $180/month for electricity, water, and gas.
- In Roswell, similar utility bills average closer to $200/month.
Both cities experience hot summers and mild winters, so seasonal fluctuations are comparable. Roswell offers more public transportation which can help offset some energy costs.
🏆 Winner: Marietta, but only by a small margin. Utilities are about 10% cheaper in Marietta.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs and everyday expenses like dining out are nearly identical in Marietta and Roswell. Expect to budget around $400-500 per person monthly for food and incidentals in either city.
One notable difference: Marietta has more large discount supermarkets, while Roswell has a higher concentration of specialty and organic grocers. So budget-conscious shoppers may save a bit more in Marietta.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Grocery and daily living costs are very similar.
4. Taxes and Fees
Both Marietta and Roswell have comparable property tax rates around 1%. But there are a few differences to note:
- Marietta has slightly lower property taxes, averaging 0.95% vs Roswell’s 1.05%.
- However, some neighborhoods in Marietta have higher HOA fees, often including services like trash and landscaping.
- Roswell has more new construction, so many homes have lower maintenance and repair costs.
🏆 Winner: Marietta. The lower property tax gives it the advantage, despite variability in HOA fees.
5. Cost Summary
| Expense Category | Marietta | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,450 – $1,800 | $1,650 – $2,100 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 |
| Transportation | $60 | $50 |
| Taxes | 0.95% | 1.05% |
| Misc | $200 | $200 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,290 – $2,640 | $2,500 – $2,950 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Marietta is more affordable overall, Roswell has some lifestyle advantages that may be worth the extra cost for some people:
- Roswell is more walkable and has better access to public transit.
- Roswell has a thriving downtown with more dining and entertainment options.
- Marietta offers more affordable space and lower-density suburban living.
Roswell averages 2°F cooler than Marietta in the peak of summer. So if you prefer milder weather, Roswell may be more comfortable.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Marietta more affordable than Roswell? Yes, the cost of living in Marietta is about 10% lower on average, mainly due to cheaper housing.
- Which city has lower rent? Marietta has lower rent, with a typical 2BR apartment costing $1,450/month vs $1,650/month in Roswell.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Marietta has lower home prices and slightly lower property taxes, making it more affordable for homebuyers.
8. Conclusion
While both Marietta and Roswell offer a high quality of life, Marietta is the clear winner for cost of living. Housing costs are the biggest differentiator, with Marietta being 10-15% cheaper than Roswell for comparable homes and apartments.
However, some may prefer Roswell for its walkability, transit access, and vibrant downtown. Lifestyle factors are an important consideration in addition to the pure cost numbers.
Be sure to check out our other resources to plan your budget in Marietta: