Quick answer
Salt Lake City costs $60/month less overall ($1,950 vs $2,010/mo). Salt Lake City also has lower state income tax (4.65% vs 5.39%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Salt Lake City 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
Salt Lake City vs Savannah at a Glance
| Metric | Salt Lake City | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,450 ✓ | $1,750 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,850 | $1,750 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $520K | $330K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $145 ✓ | $170 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $355 ✓ | $390 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,950 ✓ | $2,010 |
| Walk Score | 62/100 ✓ | 45/100 |
| Transit Score | 48/100 ✓ | 29/100 |
| State Income Tax | 4.65% ✓ | 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: Salt Lake City's 1BR averages $1,450/month vs $1,450 in Savannah — a $0/month difference, or $0/year. That's close enough that neighborhood choice within each city matters more than the city-level average.
State tax: Salt Lake City charges 4.65% state income tax vs 5.39% in Savannah. On an $80K salary that's a $592/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $6,468 vs $5,580 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Savannah are $330K vs $520K in Salt Lake City. At a 20% down payment, that's a $38,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Savannah utilities run $25 more per month than Salt Lake City.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake City'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
Salt Lake City
Four seasons; cold snowy winters (world-class skiing 45 min away), warm dry summers, 300 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
Salt Lake City top industries
Savannah top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Salt Lake City if…
- →You're a tech workers
- →You're a outdoor enthusiasts
- →You're a skiers
- →You're a families
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 Salt Lake City or Savannah cheaper to live in?
Salt Lake City is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,950 in Salt Lake City vs $2,010 in Savannah — a $60/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Salt Lake City or Savannah?
Salt Lake City is more walkable with a Walk Score of 62/100 vs 45/100. Savannah is more car-dependent.
Salt Lake City vs Savannah: which has lower state income tax?
Salt Lake City has lower state income tax (4.65%). On an $80K salary, that saves $592/year vs Savannah (5.39%).
Is Salt Lake City or Savannah better for buying a home?
Savannah has lower median home prices at $330K vs $520K in Salt Lake City — a $190,000 difference on the median home.