| Index | Kennesaw | Georgia | National |
| Cost of living | 107 | 96 | 100 |
| Groceries | 100 | 99 | 100 |
| Health care | 98 | 99 | 100 |
| Housing | 127 | 88 | 100 |
| Transportation | 100 | 99 | 100 |
| Utilities | 100 | 102 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 96 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 98 | 100 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 95 | 99 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in Kennesaw can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Kennesaw cost of living index is 107, which is 7% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.
The cost of living in Kennesaw aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, household expenses, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Kennesaw residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.
When it comes to the cost of living in Kennesaw, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 26.8% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.
The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 9 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Kennesaw. The feedback revealed that 22% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 78% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.
Wondering if Kennesaw is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Kennesaw, for example, the median home price is 20.8% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 40.9% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Kennesaw boasting a median household income of $110,629, which is 36% higher than the national average.
Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.
Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Kennesaw, the utilities index registers at 0.4% lower than the national average.
Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Kennesaw, the transportation index is 0.4% higher than the national average.
The cost of living data for Kennesaw shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.
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| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $125,603 | $10,467 | $2,931 | $3,768 |
| Renters | $77,141 | $6,428 | $1,800 | $2,314 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Georgia | 4% | 8% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Georgia | 1% | 5.57% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Emerson, GA | 1,994 | 95 | 4.8% |
| Fair Oaks, GA | 9,671 | 97 | 3.3% |
| Austell, GA | 8,019 | 99 | 0.5% |
| Hiram, GA | 4,156 | 98 | 1.6% |
| Dallas, GA | 14,122 | 99 | 1.4% |
| Kennesaw, GA | 35,226 | 107 | 7.0% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Merritt Island, FL | 35,222 | 117 | 17.1% |
| North Ridgeville, OH | 35,235 | 99 | 1.0% |
| Fair Oaks, VA | 35,261 | 146 | 46.2% |
| Vestavia Hills, AL | 35,269 | 124 | 24.0% |
| Chillum, MD | 35,167 | 126 | 26.1% |
| Kennesaw, GA | 35,226 | 107 | 7.0% |
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