Cost of Living Guide · Roswell, GA
Roswell is one of Georgia's largest cities and one of North Fulton's most established — a historic 1830s town with a walkable Canton Street district and miles of Chattahoochee River parks. It's upscale, but a step more attainable than neighboring Alpharetta. Here's the verified cost picture.
Quick answer
Roswell is an above-average-cost North Fulton suburb, driven by housing. The median household income is about $126,500 and the median home value runs roughly $567,000–$678,000 depending on the Census series (U.S. Census/ACS). The combined sales tax is 7.75% and Georgia's flat state income tax is 4.99% for 2026. It's pricier than the metro average but generally a notch below Alpharetta and Johns Creek.
Roswell is above the metro-Atlanta average but usually more attainable than the priciest North Fulton cities. Housing is the driver, and the payoff is lifestyle: a preserved Historic District, the restaurant-and-arts scene along Canton Street, and about nine miles of Chattahoochee River frontage with riverside parks. Strong Fulton County schools and proximity to North Fulton job centers keep demand — and prices — firm.
Census figures put the median home value in the $567,000–$678,000 range (the spread reflects one-year vs. five-year Census estimates). Housing is varied for a North Fulton city: historic homes near the square, established 1970s–80s swim/tennis communities like Martin's Landing, newer subdivisions, and townhomes and apartments near GA-400. That mix makes Roswell a bit more flexible on budget than some of its neighbors.
Electricity is provided by Georgia Power; water and sewer through the City of Roswell / Fulton County; natural gas on the Atlanta Gas Light network via competing marketers. Summer air-conditioning is the biggest seasonal cost. Schedule utilities to switch on for your move-in date.
Roswell is car-dependent: there's no MARTA rail in North Fulton. MARTA buses (routes 85, 142, 185) connect to the North Springs rail station and the Mansell Road park-and-ride, and a GA-400 bus-rapid-transit project is planned but not yet built. The main roads are GA-400 along the eastern edge, GA-9 (Atlanta Street/Alpharetta Highway) through downtown, GA-92, and GA-120 (Holcomb Bridge Road). Most households drive and weigh commute time by neighborhood.
Roswell is served by Fulton County Schools. Roswell High School is a former National Blue Ribbon School and the city's flagship; Centennial and Independence high schools also serve Roswell attendance zones. As across North Fulton, school demand is reflected in home prices, so families often factor the school assignment into a home's value.
Historic homes near Canton Street can mean tight streets and stairs; established swim/tennis communities sometimes have gate access or HOA rules; and GA-400 shapes truck routing. Month-end is the busiest window. LIOO's Roswell moversMoving to RoswellBest neighborhoods in Roswell handle local moves across North Fulton, our residential movers cover single-family homes, and long-distance movers bring households in from out of state.
Comparing North Fulton suburbs? See our Roswell vs. Alpharetta guide.
| Measure | Roswell | Metro Atlanta | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income | ~$126,500 | ≈ $85,000 | ≈ $78,000 |
| Median home value | ~$567K–$678K | ≈ $380,000 | ≈ $340,000 |
| Combined sales tax | 7.75% | 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 vary. Metro and U.S. columns are rounded reference points.
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