Quick answer
Lexington costs $380/month less overall ($1,630 vs $2,010/mo). Lexington also has lower state income tax (4% vs 5.39%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Lexington 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
Lexington vs Savannah at a Glance
| Metric | Lexington | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,100 ✓ | $1,750 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,350 ✓ | $1,750 |
| Median Home Price | $285K ✓ | $330K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $150 ✓ | $170 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $380 ✓ | $390 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,630 ✓ | $2,010 |
| Walk Score | 35/100 | 45/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 22/100 | 29/100 ✓ |
| State Income Tax | 4% ✓ | 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: Lexington's 1BR averages $1,100/month vs $1,450 in Savannah — a $350/month difference, or $4,200/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Lexington charges 4% state income tax vs 5.39% in Savannah. On an $80K salary that's a $1,112/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $6,468 vs $4,800 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Lexington are $285K vs $330K in Savannah. At a 20% down payment, that's a $9,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Savannah utilities run $20 more per month than Lexington.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Lexington, KY
Car ownership is effectively mandatory in Lexington. Budget $400–600/month for a car if you don't own one.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Savannah, GA
Savannah is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Lexington
Four seasons with humid summers (80-90°F June-August), cold winters (20-35°F December-February, 20 inches average snowfall), beautiful spring and fall, moderate rainfall (45 inches annually)
Savannah
Subtropical: hot, humid summers (80–90°F); mild winters (40–55°F); significant rainfall; hurricane/tropical storm risk June–November
Job Market
Lexington top industries
Savannah top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Lexington if…
- →You're a Horse and agriculture professionals
- →You're a People seeking affordability + Southern culture
- →You're a University of Kentucky students/staff
- →You're a Bourbon enthusiasts
- →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 Lexington or Savannah cheaper to live in?
Lexington is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,630 in Lexington vs $2,010 in Savannah — a $380/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Lexington or Savannah?
Savannah is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45/100 vs 35/100. Lexington is more car-dependent.
Lexington vs Savannah: which has lower state income tax?
Lexington has lower state income tax (4%). On an $80K salary, that saves $1,112/year vs Savannah (5.39%).
Is Lexington or Savannah better for buying a home?
Lexington has lower median home prices at $285K vs $330K in Savannah — a $45,000 difference on the median home.