Is Savannah expensive to live in?

Savannah is considered moderately expensive, with a cost index of 102 compared to the US average of 100. Living here costs about 2% more than the national average. The median monthly rent is $1,736, and the median household income is $56,782.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Savannah?

Using the standard 30% rent-to-income rule, you need at least $69,440/year to afford median rent in Savannah. The median household income is $56,782, giving a rent-to-income ratio of 37%. Financial experts recommend keeping rent below 30% of gross income.

What is the average rent in Savannah?

The median rent in Savannah is $1,736 per month. Housing costs score 106 against the national average of 100, meaning housing is 6% more expensive than the US average.

How does Savannah compare to the national average cost of living?

Savannah's overall cost index is 102 vs the national average of 100. Breaking it down: housing (106), food & groceries (100), transportation (97), utilities (94), and healthcare (106). Savannah is above average in most categories.

Is Savannah, Georgia a good place to live?

Savannah has a population of 147,748 and a median household income of $56,782. With a cost index of 102, it offers a higher-cost lifestyle. The rent-to-income ratio is 37%, which is above the recommended 30% threshold.

What are the cheapest cities near Savannah?

To find the most affordable cities near Savannah in Georgia, use the Livably city comparison tool or browse the Georgia state page. You can compare rent, cost index, income, and affordability side by side across all tracked cities.

Home/Georgia/Savannah

Georgia

Savannah

Monthly city intelligence across housing costs, tax load, and affordability signals to help you plan your next move with clearer numbers.

Compare city

Cost index: 102

Median rent: $1,736

Median income: $56,782

Cost Index

0/ 100 avg

Population

Median Income

Median Rent

$0/mo

12mo Trend

About Savannah

Living in Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, Georgia is a growing city with a population of approximately 147,748. The overall cost of living index sits at 102, which is near the national average of 100. This means everyday expenses — housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare — are roughly 2% more expensive compared to the typical U.S. city.

Housing is the largest cost driver in Savannah. Median rent is $1,736 per month, while the median home price is $322,470. At a median household income of $56,782, rent consumes roughly 37% of gross income, which represents a moderate housing cost burden. The housing sub-index of 106 sits close to the national norm.

Beyond housing, healthcare is the most elevated non-shelter expense in Savannah with a sub-index of 106, while utilities is comparatively more affordable at 94. State-level taxes also shape the true cost of living: Georgia applies a 5.39% income tax rate, and property tax averages 0.83% of assessed home value. The combined sales tax rate is 7.38%. Local income tax may apply in some municipalities.

Over the past twelve months, the cost of living in Savannah has trended upward. Among the 6 tracked cities in Georgia, Savannah ranks #4 from most to least affordable. Whether you're evaluating a job offer, planning a relocation, or comparing salary purchasing power, these numbers give a grounded, data-backed view of what life in Savannah actually costs.

City Intelligence Overview