Quick answer
Savannah costs $340/month less overall ($2,010 vs $2,350/mo). But Philadelphia's 3.07% state income tax erases some of that gap — on an $80K salary, the tax difference is $1,856/year.
City Comparison · 2026
Philadelphia 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
Philadelphia vs Savannah at a Glance
| Metric | Philadelphia | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,800 | $1,750 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $2,350 | $1,750 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $280K ✓ | $330K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $155 ✓ | $170 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $395 | $390 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,350 | $2,010 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 79/100 ✓ | 45/100 |
| Transit Score | 67/100 ✓ | 29/100 |
| State Income Tax | 3.07% ✓ | 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 $1,800 in Philadelphia — a $350/month difference, or $4,200/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Philadelphia charges 3.07% state income tax vs 5.39% in Savannah. On an $80K salary that's a $1,856/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $6,468 vs $3,684 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Philadelphia are $280K vs $330K in Savannah. At a 20% down payment, that's a $10,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Savannah utilities run $15 more per month than Philadelphia.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia'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
Philadelphia
Four seasons; hot humid summers, cold winters with snow, beautiful fall foliage
Savannah
Subtropical: hot, humid summers (80–90°F); mild winters (40–55°F); significant rainfall; hurricane/tropical storm risk June–November
Job Market
Philadelphia top industries
Savannah top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Philadelphia if…
- →You're a healthcare workers
- →You're a researchers
- →You're a urban lifestyle seekers
- →You're a NYC workers seeking lower costs
- →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 Philadelphia or Savannah cheaper to live in?
Savannah is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $2,010 in Savannah vs $2,350 in Philadelphia — a $340/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Philadelphia or Savannah?
Philadelphia is more walkable with a Walk Score of 79/100 vs 45/100. Savannah is more car-dependent.
Philadelphia vs Savannah: which has lower state income tax?
Philadelphia has lower state income tax (3.07%). On an $80K salary, that saves $1,856/year vs Savannah (5.39%).
Is Philadelphia or Savannah better for buying a home?
Philadelphia has lower median home prices at $280K vs $330K in Savannah — a $50,000 difference on the median home.