📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Roswell and New York
Head-to-Head Analysis
Roswell vs New York
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Roswell | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $119,657 | $76,577 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.5% | 5.3% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $648,000 | $875,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $233 | $604 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,643 | $2,451 |
| Housing Cost Index | 110.9 | 149.3 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 99.8 | 109.5 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $2.89 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 400.7 | 364.2 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | — | 42.5% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 27 | 31 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
The Ultimate Head-to-Head: New York City vs. Roswell, Georgia
You’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have the concrete jungle where dreams are made, the city that never sleeps, the global epicenter of culture, finance, and sheer energy. On the other, you have a southern suburb that’s quietly booming, offering space, greenery, and a different kind of American dream.
This isn't just a choice between a metropolis and a town. It's a choice between two entirely different philosophies of living. Is your priority the 24/7 pulse of New York, or the laid-back, family-friendly vibe of Roswell, Georgia?
Let’s cut through the noise and break it down, stat by stat, vibe by vibe.
1. The Vibe Check: Fast-Paced vs. Laid-Back
New York City is a sensory overload in the best way possible. It’s the energy of 8.2 million people crammed onto an island, a relentless hustle where ambition is the currency. You don’t just live in NYC; you survive it, thrive in it, and become part of its story. It’s for the career-driven, the culture vultures, the foodies, and those who believe that "downtime" is a myth. If you need anonymity, world-class museums at your doorstep, and a skyline that takes your breath away, this is your place.
Roswell, Georgia, is the antithesis. With a population of just 91,708, it’s a suburb of Atlanta that has carved out its own identity. Think historic brick downtowns, sprawling parks along the Chattahoochee River, and a community where you know your neighbors. It’s for families seeking top-tier schools without the NYC price tag, professionals who want a yard, and those who value weekend hiking over subway commutes. The vibe here is "Southern charm meets modern suburbia"—slower, greener, and distinctly more relaxed.
Who is this for?
- New York: The ambitious 20-40-somethings, artists, finance bros, and anyone who feeds off high-density energy.
- Roswell: Families, mid-career professionals seeking balance, and retirees who want a peaceful but active community.
2. The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Go Further?
This is where the rubber meets the road. You might see a higher salary in one place, but the purchasing power is what truly matters.
Let’s talk taxes first. Georgia has a progressive income tax, but it’s relatively low, maxing out at 5.75%. New York State also has a progressive tax, but its top marginal rate hits 10.9% for high earners, and NYC adds its own local tax. This is a massive factor. If you earn $100,000, you keep significantly more of your paycheck in Roswell (and Georgia has no inheritance tax).
Now, let’s look at the cost of living. The data shows a stark difference.
Cost of Living Comparison Table
| Category | New York City | Roswell, GA | The Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $76,577 | $119,657 | Roswell leads by 56% |
| Median Home Price | $875,000 | $648,000 | NYC is 35% more expensive |
| Avg. Rent (1BR) | $2,451 | $1,643 | NYC is 49% more expensive |
| Housing Index | 149.3 (49% above U.S. avg) | 110.9 (11% above U.S. avg) | NYC is 35% pricier than Roswell |
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
The numbers tell a compelling story. The median income in Roswell is nearly $43,000 higher than in NYC. This isn't just a higher paycheck; it's a fundamental shift in purchasing power. A $100,000 salary in NYC feels like you're constantly scraping by, especially after taxes and rent. That same $100,000 in Roswell affords a comfortable lifestyle, a mortgage on a nice home, and disposable income for dining out and travel.
Verdict: Roswell wins decisively on dollar power. The combination of higher median income, significantly lower housing costs, and more favorable tax implications makes it a financial no-brainer for most.
3. The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
New York City:
- Renting is King: With a median home price of $875,000, buying is a monumental challenge for most. The market is fiercely competitive, with bidding wars common. The rental market is equally cutthroat, with high demand and limited supply.
- Availability: A seller’s market. Inventory is chronically low.
Roswell, Georgia:
- Buying is Viable: A median home price of $648,000 is still steep, but it’s far more attainable than NYC. You get more square footage, a yard, and often a newer build.
- Availability: A more balanced market. While still competitive due to Atlanta’s growth, there’s more inventory and options for single-family homes, townhouses, and condos.
Verdict: For aspiring homeowners, Roswell offers a realistic path. In NYC, buying is a luxury reserved for the wealthy or those willing to compromise on space significantly.
4. The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- NYC: The subway is legendary (and sometimes infamous). You can get almost anywhere, but it’s crowded, delays are common, and a commute can easily be 45+ minutes each way. Car ownership is a financial and logistical nightmare.
- Roswell: You need a car. Commutes into Atlanta can be heavy—I-285 and GA-400 are notorious for traffic. A 30-minute drive can turn into an hour during rush hour. However, within Roswell, everything is easily accessible by car.
Weather
- NYC: Four distinct seasons. Hot, humid summers (90°F+), beautiful falls, cold, snowy winters (30s-40s), and crisp springs. The weather is part of the rhythm of life here.
- Roswell: Milder winters (rarely below freezing) and long, hot, humid summers. It’s much greener year-round, but the summer humidity can be oppressive for some. Think 90°F with 70%+ humidity.
Crime & Safety
This is a critical, honest look at the data.
- NYC: Violent crime rate of 364.2 per 100,000. While NYC has become much safer over the decades, this rate is still significantly higher than the U.S. national average (~380). Safety can vary drastically by neighborhood.
- Roswell: Violent crime rate of 400.7 per 100,000. Surprisingly, this is slightly higher than NYC’s. It’s important to note that suburban crime stats can be volatile and may be influenced by specific incidents. Generally, Roswell is considered safe for a suburb, but it’s not immune.
- The Nuance: NYC’s crime is often more visible due to density. Roswell’s may feel more isolated but can be just as impactful. Perception of safety is highly personal and neighborhood-dependent.
5. The Verdict: Which City Wins for You?
There is no universal winner. It’s about the life you want to build.
Winner for Families: Roswell, GA. The combination of excellent public schools, more affordable housing, larger living spaces, and a community-oriented atmosphere makes it a top choice for raising kids. The higher median income and lower costs provide financial breathing room.
Winner for Singles/Young Pros: New York City. If you’re in your 20s or early 30s, seeking unparalleled networking, career opportunities, cultural immersion, and a social scene that never ends, NYC is the undisputed champion. The energy is a catalyst for growth.
Winner for Retirees: Roswell, GA. For retirees, financial security is paramount. Roswell’s lower cost of living, milder climate (less shoveling!), and peaceful community are ideal. You can stretch your retirement savings much further here while still having access to Atlanta’s amenities.
Final Scorecard: Pros & Cons
New York City (NYC)
PROS:
- Unmatched Opportunity: Career paths in finance, media, tech, and arts are limitless.
- Cultural Epicenter: World-class museums, Broadway, dining, and nightlife.
- Walkability & Transit: No car needed. A vibrant, 24/7 street life.
- Global Melting Pot: Incredible diversity in people, food, and ideas.
CONS:
- Sticker Shock: $2,451 for a 1BR rent is just the start. Everything costs more.
- Brutal Competition: From apartments to jobs, you’re competing with millions.
- Space is a Luxury: You will live smaller, with less privacy.
- Stress & Pace: The non-stop energy can be exhausting and lead to burnout.
Roswell, Georgia
PROS:
- Financial Freedom: Higher median income ($119k) + lower costs = more purchasing power.
- Family-Friendly: Top-rated schools, parks, and a safe, community feel (despite the stats).
- Space & Nature: Yards, hiking trails, and a greener environment.
- Access to Atlanta: Big-city amenities (airport, sports, concerts) are a short drive away.
CONS:
- Car Dependency: You must drive everywhere. Traffic to Atlanta can be a grind.
- Limited "Big City" Pulse: Nightlife and high culture are in Atlanta, not Roswell.
- Summers are Hot & Humid: Be prepared for sticky, long summers.
- Less Anonymity: It’s a smaller community; you may feel more "known."
The Bottom Line:
Do you want to buy a life or rent an experience? Roswell lets you buy a spacious, financially stable life with a backyard. New York rents you a front-row seat to the greatest show on Earth, with a price tag to match. Choose your adventure wisely.