Quick answer
Savannah costs $100/month less overall ($2,010 vs $2,110/mo). Savannah also has lower state income tax (5.39% vs Up to 9.9%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Portland 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
Portland vs Savannah at a Glance
| Metric | Portland | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,590 | $1,750 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,980 | $1,750 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $498K | $330K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $120 ✓ | $170 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $400 | $390 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,110 | $2,010 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 67/100 ✓ | 45/100 |
| Transit Score | 51/100 ✓ | 29/100 |
| State Income Tax | Up to 9.9% | 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 $1,590 in Portland — a $140/month difference, or $1,680/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 9.9% in Portland. On an $80K salary that's a $3,608/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $11,880 vs $6,468 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Savannah are $330K vs $498K in Portland. At a 20% down payment, that's a $33,600 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Savannah utilities run $50 more per month than Portland.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Portland, OR
Portland'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
Portland
Consistently overcast and drizzly Oct–May (rarely below 35°F, rarely heavy rain); warm, dry, spectacular summers (75–85°F, June–September)
Savannah
Subtropical: hot, humid summers (80–90°F); mild winters (40–55°F); significant rainfall; hurricane/tropical storm risk June–November
Job Market
Portland top industries
Savannah top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Portland if…
- →You're a cyclists
- →You're a foodies
- →You're a outdoor enthusiasts
- →You're a creatives
- →You're a environmentalists
- →You want to live without a car
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 Portland or Savannah cheaper to live in?
Savannah is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $2,010 in Savannah vs $2,110 in Portland — a $100/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Portland or Savannah?
Portland is more walkable with a Walk Score of 67/100 vs 45/100. Savannah is more car-dependent.
Portland vs Savannah: which has lower state income tax?
Savannah has lower state income tax (5.39%). On an $80K salary, that saves $3,608/year vs Portland (Up to 9.9%).
Is Portland or Savannah better for buying a home?
Savannah has lower median home prices at $330K vs $498K in Portland — a $168,000 difference on the median home.