Quick answer
Savannah costs $70/month less overall ($2,010 vs $2,080/mo). Savannah also has lower state income tax (5.39% vs Up to 5.75%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Baltimore 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
Baltimore vs Savannah at a Glance
| Metric | Baltimore | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,550 | $1,750 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,980 | $1,750 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $315K ✓ | $330K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $155 ✓ | $170 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $375 ✓ | $390 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,080 | $2,010 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 68/100 ✓ | 45/100 |
| Transit Score | 59/100 ✓ | 29/100 |
| State Income Tax | Up to 5.75% | 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 $1,550 in Baltimore — a $100/month difference, or $1,200/year. That's close enough that neighborhood choice within each city matters more than the city-level average.
State tax: Savannah charges 5.39% state income tax vs Up to 5.75% in Baltimore. On an $80K salary that's a $288/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $6,900 vs $6,468 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Baltimore are $315K vs $330K in Savannah. At a 20% down payment, that's a $3,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Savannah utilities run $15 more per month than Baltimore.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Baltimore, MD
Baltimore's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Savannah, GA
Savannah is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Baltimore
Four seasons; hot humid summers, cold winters with occasional snow, pleasant spring and fall
Savannah
Subtropical: hot, humid summers (80–90°F); mild winters (40–55°F); significant rainfall; hurricane/tropical storm risk June–November
Job Market
Baltimore top industries
Savannah top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Baltimore if…
- →You're a federal government workers
- →You're a healthcare / Johns Hopkins workers
- →You're a DC commuters
- →You're a urban value-seekers
- →You want to live without a car
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baltimore or Savannah cheaper to live in?
Savannah is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $2,010 in Savannah vs $2,080 in Baltimore — a $70/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Baltimore or Savannah?
Baltimore is more walkable with a Walk Score of 68/100 vs 45/100. Savannah is more car-dependent.
Baltimore vs Savannah: which has lower state income tax?
Savannah has lower state income tax (5.39%). On an $80K salary, that saves $288/year vs Baltimore (Up to 5.75%).
Is Baltimore or Savannah better for buying a home?
Baltimore has lower median home prices at $315K vs $330K in Savannah — a $15,000 difference on the median home.