City Comparison
Albany vs Roswell
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Roswell scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Albany
Roswell
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Albany is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
33% lower than in Roswell.
Housing costs are a major driver: Albany's average rent is
46% lower than Roswell's.
| Metric | Albany | Roswell | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $950 | $1,750 | -46% |
| Groceries | $380 | $420 | -10% |
| Utilities | $175 | $175 | 0% |
| Transport | $110 | $130 | -15% |
| Healthcare | $210 | $230 | -9% |
| Monthly Total | $1,825 | $2,705 | -33% |
| Cost Index | 82 | 112 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Roswell offers 38% 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 Albany is estimated at
$42,000 vs $62,000 in Roswell.
| Metric | Albany | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $48,000 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $62,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 58,537 idx | 69,643 idx |
| Household Income | $43,500 | $105,432 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Albany runs warmer on average — a 6.1°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Albany comes out ahead with 14 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Albany sees 0.2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Albany | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 68.30°F | 62.20°F |
| Summer High | 91.90°F | 86.70°F |
| Winter Low | 41.10°F | 34.80°F |
| Rainfall | 38.10 in | 46.90 in |
| Snowfall | 3.90 in | 3.70 in |
| Sunny Days | 250 | 236 |
| Humidity | 70.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Albany has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to Roswell.
Roswell scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Roswell leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Albany | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 28 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 42.0/100 |
| Walkability | 40.0/100 | 52.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 54.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Roswell is the larger city
— approximately 0.8x the population of Albany.
From a growth perspective, Roswell is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Roswell has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Albany | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 69,634 | 92,835 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 0.50% |
| Median Age | 35.8 | 40.2 |
| Unemployment | 5.20% | 3.20% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Albany
Advantages
Median home purchase prices and overall cost of living are significantly lower than the national average per US Census Bureau data.
Phoebe Putney Health System provides advanced medical care and serves as a major regional healthcare hub.
Abundant outdoor recreational assets include the Flint River, Radium Springs Gardens, and Chehaw Park and Zoo.
Rich cultural and historical heritage anchored by the Albany Civil Rights Institute and Ray Charles Plaza.
Short average commute times compared to major metropolitan traffic centers.
Drawbacks
Property and violent crime rates exceed national medians per FBI crime data summaries.
Local median household incomes lag behind national benchmarks, limiting higher wage growth.
Public transit options are limited, resulting in high car dependency for daily commuting and errands.
Hot and humid summer climate conditions can be intense for residents sensitive to high temperatures.
Slower commercial retail diversification compared to larger growing Georgia urban centers.
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.
Albany
#522Georgia, USA
51.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$48,000
Cost Index
82
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
40.0/100
Sunny Days
250/yr
Avg Temp
68.30°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.20%
Livability
63
Business
58
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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