City Comparison
Athens vs Roswell
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Roswell scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Athens
Roswell
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Athens is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
17% lower than in Roswell.
Housing costs are a major driver: Athens's average rent is
23% lower than Roswell's.
| Metric | Athens | Roswell | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,350 | $1,750 | -23% |
| Groceries | $380 | $420 | -10% |
| Utilities | $175 | $175 | 0% |
| Transport | $110 | $130 | -15% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $230 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,245 | $2,705 | -17% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 112 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Roswell offers 21% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Roswell delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Athens is estimated at
$52,000 vs $62,000 in Roswell.
| Metric | Athens | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $62,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $62,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 67,391 idx | 69,643 idx |
| Household Income | $53,400 | $105,432 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0.9°F of each other.
For sunshine, Athens comes out ahead with 12 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
| Metric | Athens | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 63.10°F | 62.20°F |
| Summer High | 86.60°F | 86.70°F |
| Winter Low | 36.30°F | 34.80°F |
| Rainfall | 38.30 in | 46.90 in |
| Snowfall | 3.70 in | 3.70 in |
| Sunny Days | 248 | 236 |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Athens has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to Roswell.
Athens scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Athens leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Athens | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 21 min | 28 min |
| Transit Score | 48.0/100 | 42.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 52.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 54.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Athens is the larger city
— approximately 1.4x the population of Roswell.
From a growth perspective, Athens is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
| Metric | Athens | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 128,561 | 92,835 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.10% | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 27.5 | 40.2 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 3.20% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Athens
Advantages
Vibrant music and arts scene rooted in legendary alternative rock history and active local venues
World-class cultural and educational amenities driven by the University of Georgia
Cost of living that remains below the national average despite steady growth
Exceptional local healthcare infrastructure anchored by Piedmont Athens Regional and St. Mary's
Abundant green spaces including the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and the North Oconee River Greenway
Drawbacks
Significant traffic congestion and parking shortages during University of Georgia home football game days
Rental market volatility and higher prices driven by high student demand near downtown
Property crime rates that skew higher in densely populated student and entertainment zones
Warm and humid summer climate that can be oppressive for sensitive individuals
Limited heavy rail public transit connectivity to neighboring metropolitan hubs like Atlanta
Roswell
Advantages
Consistently ranked among the safest cities in Georgia with crime rates well below the national average.
Exceptional public school system operated by the Fulton County School District.
Vibrant historic downtown and Canton Street offering renowned dining, shopping, and community events.
Abundant outdoor recreation access, including the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and extensive trail systems.
Strong local economy with low unemployment and robust median household incomes.
Drawbacks
Cost of living and housing prices are significantly higher than the U.S. and Georgia state averages.
High car dependency with limited public mass transit options within the city limits.
Peak-hour traffic congestion along major thoroughfares like Holcomb Bridge Road and GA-400.
Competitive real estate market makes finding affordable housing challenging for first-time buyers.
Property taxes in Fulton County can place a heavier financial burden on homeowners.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Athens
#287Georgia, USA
61.4 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,350
Avg Salary
$62,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
21 min
Transit Score
48.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
248/yr
Avg Temp
63.10°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
78
Business
72
Roswell
#138Georgia, USA
65.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,750
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
112
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
236/yr
Avg Temp
62.20°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
84
Business
76
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