📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Roswell and San Diego
Head-to-Head Analysis
Roswell vs San Diego
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Roswell | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $119,657 | $105,780 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.5% | 4.9% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $648,000 | $930,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $233 | $662 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,643 | $2,248 |
| Housing Cost Index | 110.9 | 185.8 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 99.8 | 103.5 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.98 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 400.7 | 378.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | — | 52% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 27 | 25 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
San Diego vs. Roswell: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
Choosing a place to live isn't just about the numbers on a spreadsheet—it's about the rhythm of your life, the money in your pocket, and the air you breathe. On the surface, San Diego and Roswell couldn't be more different. One is a world-famous coastal metropolis with a population of 1.38 million, the other a mid-sized Georgia town of just 91,708 people, famous for UFOs and peaches. But for many, the decision is a real one: do you chase the laid-back Southern California dream, or do you opt for the affordability and space of the New South? Let's settle this with a no-holds-barred comparison.
The Vibe Check: Beach Life vs. Small-Town Charm
San Diego is the quintessential California city. It’s a sprawling, sun-drenched landscape where the Pacific Ocean is the main character. The vibe is "active but relaxed"—think surfers at dawn, tech bros in Mission Valley, and families spending weekends at Balboa Park or the Zoo. It’s diverse, culturally rich, and has a global feel. You’re not just living in a city; you’re living in a destination. It’s for the person who values world-class amenities, outdoor lifestyle, and doesn’t mind paying a premium for the privilege.
Roswell, on the other hand, is a classic Southern town with a quirky twist. It’s historic (think Civil War-era homes), walkable in its downtown district, and surrounded by nature. The pace is slower, the community ties are stronger, and yes, you can get some of the best barbecue you’ll ever taste. It’s a haven for those who want a strong sense of community, more space for their money, and a break from the hustle of major metros. However, its fame comes from a 1947 UFO incident, so be prepared for a lot of kitschy alien-themed shops and festivals.
Verdict: If you crave an ocean breeze and a cosmopolitan atmosphere, San Diego wins. If you prefer a slower, community-focused lifestyle with a side of Southern hospitality (and quirkiness), Roswell is your spot.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Go Further?
This is where the rubber meets the road. At first glance, the numbers seem to favor Roswell, but let's dig deeper. The median income in Roswell is actually higher ($119,657) than in San Diego ($105,780). But the cost of living tells a different story.
Let’s break down the monthly essentials.
| Expense Category | San Diego | Roswell | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $930,000 | $648,000 | Roswell |
| Rent (1BR) | $2,248 | $1,643 | Roswell |
| Housing Index | 185.8 (85.8% above U.S. avg) | 110.9 (10.9% above U.S. avg) | Roswell |
| Utilities | $250-$300 (moderate) | $200-$250 (lower) | Roswell |
| Groceries | 15-20% higher than national avg | Slightly above national avg | Roswell |
The Purchasing Power Deep Dive:
If you earn $100,000 in San Diego, your purchasing power is severely hampered. After California's high state income tax (top marginal rate of 13.3% on income over $1M, but still high for a $100k earner) and the brutal housing costs, that $100k feels more like $75k in a typical U.S. city. You’ll be budgeting tightly, allocating a massive chunk of your income to rent or a mortgage.
Now, take that same $100,000 to Roswell. Georgia has a 0% state income tax. Your take-home pay is immediately higher. Combined with a median home price that’s $282,000 less and rent that’s $600 cheaper per month, your money stretches dramatically farther. That $100k in Roswell feels like $130k in San Diego in terms of actual lifestyle and housing comfort.
Insight: While Roswell’s median income is higher, its true superpower is the 0% income tax and dramatically lower housing costs. For pure financial efficiency, Roswell is the clear winner. San Diego is where you pay a premium for the location and lifestyle.
The Housing Market: To Buy or To Rent?
San Diego: This is a fierce seller's market. With a median home price of $930,000, homeownership is a distant dream for the average person unless you have significant equity or a dual high-income household. The market is competitive, with homes often going for over asking price. Renting is the norm for many, but even that is painfully expensive. Finding a $2,248 1-bedroom is a chore, and that's below the true market rate in desirable neighborhoods.
Roswell: This is a balanced market. The median home price of $648,000 is still high for the area but is far more attainable. You get more square footage, a yard, and often a newer home for the price of a small condo in San Diego. Renting is more accessible, with a $1,643 1-bedroom being a reasonable standard. The competition is present but not cutthroat.
Verdict: If you're looking to buy a home and plant roots, Roswell offers a path to homeownership that is simply unattainable for most in San Diego. If you're a long-term renter who prioritizes location over space, San Diego might work, but you'll be paying a steep price for it.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Metrics
Traffic & Commute
- San Diego: Traffic is a real headache. The I-5, I-805, and CA-15 are notorious bottlenecks. Commute times can easily hit 45-60 minutes for a 15-mile trip. Public transit (trolley/bus) is decent but doesn’t cover all suburbs reliably.
- Roswell: Traffic is minimal. You can cross town in 15-20 minutes. The commute into Atlanta (about 25 miles away) is the main challenge, with I-75 and I-285 offering a classic Atlanta traffic experience. However, living in Roswell, your daily errands are a breeze.
Weather
- San Diego: 57°F average? That's misleading. San Diego has a Mediterranean climate: mild, dry summers (75°F), cool, damp winters (57°F), and virtually no snow. It's famously perfect, but a lack of seasonal change can feel monotonous. Humidity is low.
- Roswell: 52°F average is also misleading. Roswell has four distinct seasons: hot, humid summers (90°F+ and sticky), beautiful falls and springs, and cold, often damp winters with occasional ice or snow. The summer humidity can be a major dealbreaker for some.
Crime & Safety
- San Diego: Violent Crime Rate: 378.0 per 100,000. This is significantly higher than the U.S. average (~250/100k). Like any major city, safety varies wildly by neighborhood. Some areas are perfectly safe, while others require caution.
- Roswell: Violent Crime Rate: 400.7 per 100,000. Surprisingly, this is slightly higher than San Diego's rate. However, this statistic can be skewed by smaller sample sizes. In practice, Roswell is considered a very safe, family-friendly suburb. The crime is often property crime, not violent.
Verdict on Safety: The raw data suggests a slight edge to San Diego, but in reality, both are relatively safe if you choose your neighborhood wisely. San Diego wins on weather perfection, Roswell on commute ease (for non-Atlanta commuters).
The Verdict: Who Wins Where?
After breaking down the data and the lifestyle, here’s the final call.
| Category | San Diego | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | ✅ | |
| Housing Affordability | ✅ | |
| Weather | ✅ | |
| Lifestyle/Vibe | ✅ (for beach life) | ✅ (for community) |
| Commute (Local) | ✅ | |
| Purchasing Power | ✅ |
Winner for Families: Roswell
Why: The $648,000 home price is the clincher. For the cost of a modest condo in San Diego, you get a single-family home with a yard in a top-rated school district. The community feel, lower daily stress, and more space for kids to play make it a superior environment for raising a family. The slightly higher violent crime rate is a statistical anomaly; the reality is a safe, suburban haven.
Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: San Diego
Why: If you're in tech, biotech, or any industry that thrives on networking and innovation, San Diego’s ecosystem is unmatched. The social scene is vibrant, the outdoor activities are endless (beaches, hiking, nightlife), and the cultural diversity is stimulating. While the cost is a huge hurdle, the career opportunities and lifestyle for a young, ambitious single person are unparalleled.
Winner for Retirees: Roswell
Why: This is a tough call. San Diego’s weather is ideal for aging joints. However, the financial strain is immense. Roswell offers a lower cost of living, a slower pace of life, and a strong sense of community. For retirees on a fixed income, the 0% income tax and affordable housing are game-changers. You can sell a home in a high-cost state, buy a beauty in Roswell, and bank the difference for a secure retirement.
Final Pros & Cons
San Diego
- Pros: World-class weather, stunning beaches, vibrant job market, cultural diversity, outdoor lifestyle.
- Cons: Extremely high cost of living, unaffordable housing, heavy traffic, high taxes, crowded.
Roswell
- Pros: Affordable housing, lower cost of living, 0% state income tax, safe and family-friendly, charming small-town feel, proximity to Atlanta's amenities.
- Cons: Hot and humid summers, less diversity and cultural scene, higher violent crime rate (statistically), no ocean access.
The Bottom Line: Choose San Diego if you are willing to pay a massive premium for an active, ocean-adjacent, culturally rich lifestyle. Choose Roswell if you prioritize financial freedom, space, and a quieter, community-focused life in the South. Your wallet will thank you in Roswell, but your soul might sing in San Diego.