Cost of Living Guide · Kennesaw, GA
Kennesaw is one of metro Atlanta's better values — a northwest Cobb County suburb anchored by Kennesaw State University, a walkable historic downtown, and Civil War heritage at the foot of Kennesaw Mountain. It has the most attainable home prices of the major North metro suburbs. Here's the verified cost picture.
Quick answer
Kennesaw is relatively affordable for metro Atlanta. The median household income is about $83,400 and the median home value is around $335,000 (U.S. Census/ACS), with market listings a bit higher — the lowest among the major North metro suburbs. The combined sales tax is a low 6% (Cobb County), and Georgia's flat state income tax is 4.99% for 2026.
No — Kennesaw is one of the more affordable established suburbs in the metro. Home prices sit below the regional average, and the 6% Cobb sales tax is lower than in Fulton or DeKalb. The presence of Kennesaw State University keeps a steady supply of rentals and a younger population, and northwest Cobb generally offers more house per dollar than the closer-in or North Fulton markets.
The Census-reported median home value is about $335,000 — well below Fulton and DeKalb suburbs — with current market listings running somewhat higher. Housing is a mix of established subdivisions, master-planned communities like Legacy Park, newer construction, and a healthy rental market tied to the university. For buyers priced out of North Fulton, Kennesaw is a common landing spot.
Electricity is provided by Georgia Power (with Cobb EMC serving some areas); water and sewer through Cobb County / the City of Kennesaw; natural gas on the Atlanta Gas Light network via competing marketers. Summer air-conditioning is the biggest seasonal cost. Set utilities to start on your move-in date.
Kennesaw is car-dependent: Cobb County has no MARTA rail. Local and commuter buses run through CobbLinc, with express routes to MARTA at Arts Center station. The main highways are I-75 (the Kennesaw State campus sits alongside it), US-41 (Cobb Parkway), and Barrett Parkway near the Town Center area, with I-575 nearby to the northeast. Commutes to Atlanta run down I-75 and are heavy at peak.
Kennesaw is served by the Cobb County School District (no independent city system), one of Georgia's largest. Notable public high schools include Kennesaw Mountain High School (a STEM magnet) and North Cobb High School. The city is also home to Kennesaw State University, a large public research university that shapes the local economy and rental market.
College-town timing matters: the August KSU move-in period and month-end are the busiest windows, so book early. Subdivisions and apartments may have gate access or COI rules. LIOO's Kennesaw moversMoving to Kennesaw handle local moves across Cobb, our residential and apartment movers cover homes and rentals, and long-distance movers bring households in from out of state.
Weighing nearby Cobb suburbs? See our cost of living in Marietta guide.
| Measure | Kennesaw | Metro Atlanta | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income | ~$83,400 | ≈ $85,000 | ≈ $78,000 |
| Median home value | ~$335,000 | ≈ $380,000 | ≈ $340,000 |
| Combined sales tax | 6% | 6–8.9% | varies |
| State income tax | Flat 4.99% (GA) | Flat 4.99% (GA) | Varies by state |
Income and home-value figures reflect U.S. Census Bureau (ACS) data; market prices run higher. Metro and U.S. columns are rounded reference points.
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