📊 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 | $50,294 | $76,577 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.2% | 5.3% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $217,000 | $875,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $140 | $604 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $935 | $2,451 |
| Housing Cost Index | 107.5 | 149.3 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 91.6 | 109.5 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $2.89 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 778.3 | 364.2 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 19.6% | 42.5% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 35 | 31 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Head-to-Head: New York vs. Roswell – The Ultimate Relocation Showdown
Let’s cut to the chase. You’re torn between the electric, sleepless giant of New York City and the quiet, sprawling suburb of Roswell, Georgia. It’s a comparison that feels like comparing a Lamborghini to a pickup truck—both are vehicles, but they serve wildly different purposes. One is about status, speed, and the sheer thrill of the ride; the other is about utility, comfort, and getting the job done without breaking the bank.
As your relocation expert, I’m not here to sugarcoat it. This decision isn’t just about zip codes; it’s about a fundamental lifestyle shift. Do you crave the anonymity and adrenaline of the concrete jungle, or do you want the space, community, and affordability of the South? Let’s dive into the data and the vibe to see which city truly wins for you.
1. The Vibe Check: Culture & Lifestyle
New York, NY:
This is the city that never sleeps, and honestly, it doesn’t even give you a chance to catch your breath. The vibe here is pure, unadulterated energy. Think 8.2 million people packed into a metropolis where silence is a luxury. It’s a global hub for arts, finance, fashion, and food. You’re not just living in a city; you’re living in a movie set. Every corner offers a new culture, a new cuisine, a new story. It’s for the ambitious, the hungry, and those who believe that opportunity is found on every street corner. If you thrive on constant stimulation and want to be at the center of the universe, this is your home.
Roswell, GA:
Roswell is the definition of Southern charm meets suburban comfort. With a population of just 47,823, it’s a tight-knit community that feels worlds away from the chaos of nearby Atlanta. The vibe here is laid-back, family-oriented, and deeply rooted in history (think historic mills and Southern belles). It’s about front porches, community festivals, and knowing your neighbors. Life moves at a gentler pace. You’re not chasing trends; you’re enjoying a high quality of life. This city is for those who prioritize space, safety, and a strong sense of community over the non-stop hustle.
Who It’s For:
- New York: The go-getter who wants to be in the thick of it all. The artist, the banker, the dreamer who believes bigger is better.
- Roswell: The family builder, the nature lover, or the professional who wants a comfortable home base with easy access to Atlanta’s opportunities, without the NYC price tag or pace.
2. The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary
This is where the rubber meets the road. Your paycheck stretches drastically differently in these two locations. Let’s talk purchasing power.
Salary Wars: The $100k Illusion
If you earn $100,000 in Roswell, Georgia, you are living large. Your take-home pay is higher because Georgia has a state income tax (ranging from 1% to 5.75%), but it’s a fraction of New York’s combined state and city income taxes. More importantly, your housing and daily expenses are a fraction of the cost.
In New York, a $100,000 salary feels modest. After brutal taxes, high rent, and expensive daily life, your disposable income shrinks dramatically. You’re not just paying for a home; you’re paying for the privilege of being in New York. The "sticker shock" is real. Where a $100k salary in Roswell might allow for savings, a vacation, and a comfortable lifestyle, in New York, it’s a survival wage for a single person in a shared apartment.
The Data Breakdown:
Note: These are estimates based on regional indices. NYC costs are notoriously high, and Roswell is below the national average.
| Category | Roswell, GA (Est.) | New York, NY (Est.) | Winner for Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median 1BR Rent | $935 | $2,451 | Roswell (by a landslide) |
| Utilities (Monthly) | $150 | $180 | Roswell |
| Groceries | +5% below nat'l avg | +25% above nat'l avg | Roswell |
| Transportation | $75 (Gas/Insurance) | $127 (MTA Unlimited) | Roswell |
| Housing Index | 107.5 | 149.3 | Roswell |
Insight on Taxes: This is a massive dealbreaker. New York has some of the highest state and local taxes in the country. Georgia’s tax burden is significantly lower. For high earners, the difference in take-home pay can be tens of thousands of dollars annually.
3. The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
New York: The Seller’s Dream, Buyer’s Nightmare
The median home price of $875,000 is just the starting point. In desirable boroughs, that number can easily double. The market is fiercely competitive. You’re often bidding against cash offers, corporations, and other desperate buyers. Renting is the norm for most, but even that is a battle with broker fees, credit checks, and fierce competition for a shoebox apartment. The Housing Index of 149.3 screams "expensive." If you have the capital, buying in NYC is a long-term investment, but it requires a massive financial commitment and a high tolerance for stress.
Roswell: The Buyer’s Market
With a median home price of $217,000, Roswell is a breath of fresh air. The Housing Index of 107.5 is above the national average but remains accessible. The market is more balanced, giving buyers more room to negotiate. You can find a spacious single-family home with a yard for the price of a studio apartment in Brooklyn. Renting is also incredibly affordable, with low barriers to entry. For families looking to put down roots, Roswell offers a clear path to homeownership without sacrificing life’s other pleasures.
Verdict: For financial mobility and the dream of owning a home, Roswell wins decisively. New York is for those with deep pockets or a specific, non-negotiable career reason to be there.
4. The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- New York: You don’t drive; you take the subway. The MTA is a lifeline, but it’s also a source of daily frustration. Delays, crowded trains, and grime are part of the deal. A 10-mile commute can take over an hour. Your time is not your own.
- Roswell: You drive. Commutes into Atlanta can be congested (I-75 is a beast), but within Roswell, getting around is easy. You have a car, you have parking, and you have control. The average commute is longer in minutes but less stressful in spirit.
Weather
- New York: Four distinct, often harsh seasons. 50°F is the average, but that hides brutal winters with snow and nor'easters, humid summers, and unpredictable springs. You need a full wardrobe and a high tolerance for weather-related disruptions.
- Roswell: A temperate Southern climate. 55°F average, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. You’ll see some snow, but it’s rare and usually melts quickly. The trade-off is the summer humidity, which can be oppressive if you’re not used to it.
Crime & Safety
This data point is startling and must be addressed with honesty.
- New York: Violent Crime: 364.2/100k. While NYC has a reputation, its violent crime rate is actually lower than the national average. It’s a massive city, so crime exists, but many neighborhoods are incredibly safe.
- Roswell: Violent Crime: 778.3/100k. This number is significantly higher than both the national average and New York City’s. This is a critical data point. While Roswell feels like a safe, suburban community, the statistics paint a more complex picture. It’s important to research specific neighborhoods and understand that crime can be concentrated. This is a major dealbreaker for those prioritizing safety above all else.
5. The Verdict: Who Should You Choose?
After weighing the data, the lifestyle, and the costs, here’s the final showdown.
Winner for Families: Roswell
- Why: The bang for your buck in housing is unbeatable. You get space, a yard, and strong schools for a fraction of the cost. The community feel is perfect for raising kids. The higher crime rate is a serious concern, but it’s a trade-off for affordability and space. For a family on a budget, Roswell offers a quality of life that’s simply unattainable in New York.
Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: New York
- Why: If you’re under 30, career-driven, and hungry for experiences, New York is the ultimate playground. The networking opportunities, cultural institutions, and sheer density of people your age are unparalleled. You pay a premium, but you’re investing in your social and professional capital. The high crime rate in Roswell is less of a concern for a single person in a secure apartment, but the isolation and lack of a vibrant social scene for young professionals is a bigger issue.
Winner for Retirees: Roswell
- Why: For retirees on a fixed income, New York is financially untenable. Roswell offers a lower cost of living, a warmer climate, and a more relaxed pace of life. The community is welcoming, and access to healthcare and amenities in the Atlanta area is excellent. The higher crime rate is a factor, but it’s often offset by choosing the right neighborhood and the financial freedom Roswell provides.
Final Pros & Cons
New York, NY
Pros:
- Unmatched Career Opportunities: The epicenter of finance, media, arts, and tech.
- Endless Culture & Entertainment: World-class museums, theaters, restaurants, and events.
- Public Transit: No need for a car (or its expenses).
- Diversity: A true melting pot of cultures and ideas.
Cons:
- Astronomical Cost of Living: It will consume your salary.
- High Stress & Fast Pace: Not for the faint of heart.
- Crowding & Noise: Constant sensory overload.
- Brutal Winters & Harsh Summers: Weather can be a real downer.
Roswell, GA
Pros:
- Extreme Affordability: Your money goes incredibly far, especially for housing.
- Family-Friendly Vibe: Safe, community-oriented, great for kids.
- Southern Charm & Nature: Beautiful historic district, parks, and trails.
- Proximity to Atlanta: Access to big-city amenities without the NYC price tag.
Cons:
- Higher-Than-Average Violent Crime Rate: A serious statistical red flag.
- Car Dependency: You need a car for everything.
- Limited "Big City" Culture: Far fewer world-class cultural institutions.
- Slower Pace: Can feel isolating or "boring" for those used to constant action.
The Bottom Line:
Choose New York if you’re willing to pay a premium for the unparalleled energy, career opportunities, and cultural density. It’s a lifestyle investment.
Choose Roswell if you value financial freedom, space, and a community feel, and you’re willing to accept a higher crime rate and suburban pace for an incredible quality of life. It’s a practical, comfortable choice.
The data is clear, but your priorities are the final judge. Which city fits your story?
Planning a Move?
Use our AI-powered calculator to estimate your expenses from Roswell to New York.