Let’s Set the Stage
When it comes to living comfortably, everyone has their own definition. For some, it means having enough income to cover essential expenses with a little left over for savings and discretionary spending. Others associate comfort with the ability to afford a spacious home, regular meals out, and annual vacations. As we explore how much it costs to live comfortably in Roswell in 2025, we’ll consider various income benchmarks, housing norms, and regional expectations that shape perceptions of a comfortable lifestyle in this charming Georgia city.
According to recent data, the median household income in Roswell hovers around $96,000 per year, or roughly $8,000 per month. However, when we talk about living comfortably, we generally mean having an income that allows you to cover necessary expenses while still enjoying some extras and saving for the future. For many Roswell residents, this might equate to a monthly income of $5,000-$7,000 for a single person or $7,000-$10,000 for a family of four.
Of course, these figures can vary widely depending on your specific circumstances and lifestyle preferences. Let’s dive into the details of what it really takes to live comfortably in Roswell, starting with a breakdown of essential monthly costs.
Essential Monthly Costs
To get a clear picture of how much you need to live comfortably in Roswell, it’s important to understand the basic expenses that most households must cover each month. These typically include:
- Housing: Rent or mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance
- Utilities: Electricity, water, gas, internet, phone
- Transportation: Car payments, gas, maintenance, public transit fares
- Groceries: Food and household essentials
- Healthcare: Insurance premiums, prescriptions, copays
For a single adult living in Roswell, a sample monthly budget might look like this:
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Housing (1BR Apartment) | $1,400 |
| Utilities | $150 |
| Transportation | $300 |
| Groceries | $350 |
| Healthcare | $450 |
| Total Essential Expenses | $2,650 |
🏆 Quick Stat: Average rent for a 1BR apartment in Roswell: $1,400
Keep in mind that these figures represent a basic lifestyle and don’t include savings, entertainment, or other discretionary expenses. To truly live comfortably, most individuals and families will need to budget for additional costs beyond the essentials.
Comfortable Lifestyles by Household Type
Now that we’ve covered the basic monthly expenses, let’s explore what a comfortable lifestyle might look like for different household types in Roswell. We’ll consider three common scenarios: a single adult, a couple without children, and a family of four.
For a single adult in Roswell, a comfortable monthly budget might include $1,400 for a one-bedroom apartment, $150 for utilities, $300 for transportation, $400 for groceries, $450 for healthcare, and an additional $800 for dining out, entertainment, hobbies, and savings. This brings the total monthly pre-tax income needed to around $3,500.
A couple without children will likely need a higher income to maintain a comfortable lifestyle in Roswell. Assuming they rent a two-bedroom apartment for $1,800, their monthly expenses might include $200 for utilities, $500 for transportation, $600 for groceries, $900 for healthcare, and $1,200 for discretionary spending and savings. To cover these costs comfortably, the couple would need a combined monthly pre-tax income of around $5,200.
For a family of four, the income requirements increase significantly. Renting a three-bedroom home in Roswell costs an average of $2,200 per month. Add in $300 for utilities, $800 for transportation (including car payments and insurance for two vehicles), $1,000 for groceries, $1,500 for healthcare (assuming employer-sponsored insurance), $1,200 for childcare and extracurricular activities, and $1,500 for discretionary expenses and savings. To afford this comfortably, the household would need a monthly pre-tax income of around $8,500.
| Household Type | Comfortable Monthly Pre-Tax Income |
|---|---|
| Single Adult | $3,500 |
| Couple without Children | $5,200 |
| Family of Four | $8,500 |
It’s important to note that these figures represent a comfortable standard of living but not necessarily an extravagant one. Households with higher income levels may choose to allocate more funds toward housing, travel, or luxury expenses, while those with lower incomes may need to make tradeoffs in terms of location, amenities, or discretionary spending.
Hidden or Overlooked Costs
When budgeting for a comfortable life in Roswell, it’s easy to focus on the obvious expenses like rent and groceries. However, there are several hidden or often overlooked costs that can quickly add up and strain your monthly budget. Some of these include:
- HOA fees for homes or condos
- Childcare or private school tuition
- Commuting costs, such as tolls, parking, or increased gas consumption
- Extreme seasonal utility bills (e.g., high A/C costs in summer)
- Home maintenance and repairs
- Pet care expenses
- Gym memberships or fitness classes
- Subscription services (e.g., streaming platforms, meal delivery)
Depending on your specific circumstances, these additional costs can easily add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to your monthly expenses. It’s crucial to factor them into your budget when determining how much you need to live comfortably in Roswell.
Ways to Stretch Your Budget in Roswell
While Roswell’s cost of living is higher than the national average, there are several ways to stretch your budget and make the most of your income. One option is to take advantage of city-specific programs and resources, such as the Roswell Housing Authority’s affordable housing initiatives or the Roswell Recreation and Parks Department’s free community events.
Shopping at discount stores like Aldi or Lidl can help you save on groceries, while using energy-efficient appliances and taking advantage of off-peak utility rates can lower your monthly bills. If you own your home, investing in solar panels or other renewable energy sources can provide long-term savings on electricity costs.
It’s also a good idea to plan ahead for irregular or high-season expenses, such as summer childcare or holiday travel. Setting aside money in a dedicated savings account throughout the year can help you avoid financial stress when these costs arise.
Which Lifestyle Fits You Best?
Ultimately, the amount of income you need to live comfortably in Roswell will depend on your unique lifestyle preferences and priorities. If you value space and privacy, a $4,500/month lifestyle may be more realistic for a single person, while a couple who enjoys frequent travel and dining out might need closer to $7,000/month.
Your stage of life can also impact your income needs. Young professionals may be content with a smaller apartment and more modest discretionary spending, while families with children will likely require a higher income to cover expenses like childcare, education, and larger living spaces.
Retirees, on the other hand, may have lower monthly expenses but need to budget carefully to ensure their savings last throughout their golden years. Regardless of your age or family size, it’s important to be honest about your lifestyle expectations and budget accordingly.
FAQs About Comfort & Cost
What is a comfortable salary in Roswell?
A comfortable salary in Roswell depends on your household size and lifestyle preferences, but a general range would be $42,000-$60,000 per year ($3,500-$5,000 per month) for a single person, $62,400-$84,000 per year ($5,200-$7,000 per month) for a couple, and $102,000+ per year ($8,500+ per month) for a family of four.
Can you live well on $3,000/month in Roswell?
While $3,000 per month is enough to cover basic living expenses for a single person in Roswell, it may not provide much room for discretionary spending or savings. To live more comfortably, aim for a monthly income of at least $3,500-$4,000.
What costs surprise new residents in Roswell?
New residents in Roswell are often surprised by the high cost of housing, particularly for larger homes or apartments in desirable neighborhoods. Other unexpected expenses might include high summer utility bills, HOA fees, and the cost of commuting to work in Atlanta.
Final Thoughts
Living comfortably in Roswell, GA in 2025 requires a thoughtful approach to budgeting and an understanding of your unique lifestyle needs. For most households, a monthly pre-tax income ranging from $3,500 to $8,500+ is necessary to cover essential expenses while still enjoying some extras and saving for the future.
By taking into account hidden costs, exploring ways to stretch your budget, and being honest about your priorities, you can create a financial plan that allows you to thrive in this vibrant Georgia city. For more information on the cost of living in Roswell and how it compares to other nearby cities, check out our Cost of Living in Roswell (2025 Guide) and Monthly Budget Examples for Roswell Residents.