Quick answer
Madison costs $130/month less overall ($1,880 vs $2,010/mo). But Savannah's 5.39% state income tax erases some of that gap — on an $80K salary, the tax difference is $1,808/year.
City Comparison · 2026
Madison 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
Madison vs Savannah at a Glance
| Metric | Madison | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,380 ✓ | $1,750 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,720 ✓ | $1,750 |
| Median Home Price | $370K | $330K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $145 ✓ | $170 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $355 ✓ | $390 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,880 ✓ | $2,010 |
| Walk Score | 63/100 ✓ | 45/100 |
| Transit Score | 46/100 ✓ | 29/100 |
| State Income Tax | 7.65% | 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: Madison's 1BR averages $1,380/month vs $1,450 in Savannah — a $70/month difference, or $840/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 7.65% in Madison. On an $80K salary that's a $1,808/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $9,180 vs $6,468 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Savannah are $330K vs $370K in Madison. At a 20% down payment, that's a $8,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Savannah utilities run $25 more per month than Madison.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Madison, WI
Madison'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
Madison
Four seasons; brutal winters (lakes freeze solid for skating), warm summers, beautiful fall; 189 sunny days
Savannah
Subtropical: hot, humid summers (80–90°F); mild winters (40–55°F); significant rainfall; hurricane/tropical storm risk June–November
Job Market
Madison top industries
Savannah top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Madison if…
- →You're a researchers / academics
- →You're a tech workers
- →You're a outdoor / lake lifestyle seekers
- →You're a progressive culture seekers
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 Madison or Savannah cheaper to live in?
Madison is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,880 in Madison vs $2,010 in Savannah — a $130/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Madison or Savannah?
Madison is more walkable with a Walk Score of 63/100 vs 45/100. Savannah is more car-dependent.
Madison vs Savannah: which has lower state income tax?
Savannah has lower state income tax (5.39%). On an $80K salary, that saves $1,808/year vs Madison (7.65%).
Is Madison or Savannah better for buying a home?
Savannah has lower median home prices at $330K vs $370K in Madison — a $40,000 difference on the median home.