Roswell, GA vs. Alpharetta, GA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Choosing between Roswell and Alpharetta, two popular Atlanta suburbs? This cost of living comparison breaks down the key differences in housing, utilities, groceries, and more. Whether you’re relocating for work, buying a home, or renting an apartment, see how your budget stretches in Roswell vs. Alpharetta in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Roswell and Alpharetta compare for typical options:
| Housing Type | Roswell | Alpharetta |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,600 | $1,800 |
| Median 3BR House Price | $450,000 | $500,000 |
🏆 Winner: Roswell. You’ll typically pay about 10% less for housing in Roswell compared to Alpharetta.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Expect utility bills to run about $200-250 per month for a 2BR apartment in either city. Summers tend to have higher AC costs, while winters see a bump for heating.
Both cities offer “budget billing” programs to even out seasonal spikes. Roswell and Alpharetta also have similar off-peak electricity discounts for running appliances at night.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are nearly identical between Roswell and Alpharetta.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Feeding a family of four in Roswell or Alpharetta will cost around $800-1,000 per month, on par with the Atlanta average. Restaurant prices are also similar.
However, Roswell has slightly lower costs on everyday goods like gas, clothing, and entertainment. Over a year, Roswell residents might save $500-1,000 on daily spending.
🏆 Winner: Roswell, but just barely. Alpharetta is only about 2-3% pricier for groceries and daily expenses.
4. Taxes and Fees
Alpharetta has a slightly higher property tax rate of 0.95%, vs. Roswell’s 0.92%. For a $450,000 home, that’s a difference of about $150 per year.
Both cities charge around $300-400 annually for services like trash and recycling. Typical HOA fees range from $200-400 per month. In Roswell, HOAs often include landscaping and exterior maintenance.
🏆 Winner: Roswell. The lower property tax rate gives Roswell a slight edge, but taxes and fees are similar overall.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Roswell | Alpharetta |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,600 | $1,800 |
| Utilities | $225 | $225 |
| Groceries | $900 | $925 |
| Transportation | $300 | $300 |
| Taxes & Fees | $350 | $400 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $550 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,875 | $4,200 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
Roswell offers a bit more space for the money, with larger apartments and lot sizes. It’s also more walkable, with a quaint downtown area. Alpharetta has a shorter commute to many Atlanta employers and more public transit options.
Roswell is about 2°F cooler than Alpharetta in the summer. Both cities get hot, but Roswell’s extra shade and elevation make a difference.
7. FAQs
- Is Roswell more affordable than Alpharetta? Yes, Roswell has a lower overall cost of living, mainly due to cheaper housing.
- Which city has lower rent? Roswell’s median rent is about 10% lower than Alpharetta’s for a comparable apartment.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? In Roswell, the typical home costs $50,000 less than in Alpharetta.
8. Conclusion
While Roswell and Alpharetta offer a similar suburban lifestyle, Roswell comes out ahead on affordability. Cheaper housing, slightly lower taxes, and everyday expenses add up to real savings, especially for families.
However, Alpharetta can be worth the premium for certain priorities, like top schools or an easier commute. It’s a highly personal choice.
Budgeting for a move to Roswell or Alpharetta? Check out our Monthly Budget Examples for Roswell Residents or our full Cost of Living in Roswell (2025 Guide) for more insights.