Quick answer
Savannah costs $165/month less overall ($2,010 vs $2,175/mo). Savannah also has lower state income tax (5.39% vs 5.49%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Atlanta vs Savannah
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Atlanta vs Savannah at a Glance
| Metric | Atlanta | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,650 | $1,750 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $2,100 | $1,750 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $385K | $330K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $165 ✓ | $170 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $360 ✓ | $390 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,175 | $2,010 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 48/100 ✓ | 45/100 |
| Transit Score | 42/100 ✓ | 29/100 |
| State Income Tax | 5.49% | 5.39% ✓ |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Savannah's 1BR averages $1,450/month vs $1,650 in Atlanta — a $200/month difference, or $2,400/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Savannah charges 5.39% state income tax vs 5.49% in Atlanta. On an $80K salary that's a $80/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $6,588 vs $6,468 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Savannah are $330K vs $385K in Atlanta. At a 20% down payment, that's a $11,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Savannah utilities run $5 more per month than Atlanta.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Savannah, GA
Savannah is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Atlanta
Humid subtropical; hot summers, mild winters with occasional ice storms that shut down the city
Savannah
Subtropical: hot, humid summers (80–90°F); mild winters (40–55°F); significant rainfall; hurricane/tropical storm risk June–November
Job Market
Atlanta top industries
Savannah top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Atlanta if…
- →You're a tech workers
- →You're a film industry professionals
- →You're a logistics professionals
- →You're a Southern culture enthusiasts
Move to Savannah if…
- →You're a Artists and designers (SCAD alumni, creative economy)
- →You're a Aerospace and manufacturing professionals (Gulfstream)
- →You're a Southern charm seekers wanting walkable historic urban life
- →You're a Tourism/hospitality workers and business owners
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Atlanta or Savannah cheaper to live in?
Savannah is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $2,010 in Savannah vs $2,175 in Atlanta — a $165/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Atlanta or Savannah?
Atlanta is more walkable with a Walk Score of 48/100 vs 45/100. Savannah is more car-dependent.
Atlanta vs Savannah: which has lower state income tax?
Savannah has lower state income tax (5.39%). On an $80K salary, that saves $80/year vs Atlanta (5.49%).
Is Atlanta or Savannah better for buying a home?
Savannah has lower median home prices at $330K vs $385K in Atlanta — a $55,000 difference on the median home.