Quick answer
Savannah costs $195/month less overall ($2,010 vs $2,205/mo). But Austin's None state income tax erases some of that gap — on an $80K salary, the tax difference is $4,312/year.
City Comparison · 2026
Austin 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: October 21, 2026
Austin vs Savannah at a Glance
| Metric | Austin | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,650 | $1,750 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $2,100 | $1,750 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $548K | $330K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $175 | $170 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $380 ✓ | $390 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,205 | $2,010 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 41/100 | 45/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 34/100 ✓ | 29/100 |
| State Income Tax | None ✓ | 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 Austin — a $200/month difference, or $2,400/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Austin charges None state income tax vs 5.39% in Savannah. On an $80K salary that's a $4,312/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $6,468 vs $0 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Savannah are $330K vs $548K in Austin. At a 20% down payment, that's a $43,600 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Austin utilities run $5 more per month than Savannah. Factor this into your all-in monthly budget.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Austin, TX
Austin 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
Austin
300+ sunny days; summers run 100–110°F for 60+ days June–September; mild short winters; ERCOT grid has blackout history in extreme weather
Savannah
Subtropical: hot, humid summers (80–90°F); mild winters (40–55°F); significant rainfall; hurricane/tropical storm risk June–November
Job Market
Austin top industries
Savannah top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Austin if…
- →You're a tech workers
- →You're a young professionals
- →You're a outdoor enthusiasts
- →You're a musicians
- →You want zero state income tax
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 Austin or Savannah cheaper to live in?
Savannah is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $2,010 in Savannah vs $2,205 in Austin — a $195/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Austin or Savannah?
Savannah is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45/100 vs 41/100. Austin is more car-dependent.
Austin vs Savannah: which has lower state income tax?
Austin has lower state income tax (None). On an $80K salary, that saves $4,312/year vs Savannah (5.39%).
Is Austin or Savannah better for buying a home?
Savannah has lower median home prices at $330K vs $548K in Austin — a $218,000 difference on the median home.