Quick answer
The average 1-bedroom rent in Savannah is $1,450/month and the median home price is $330K. Monthly utilities average $170 and groceries run about $390/month per person.
City Guide · GA
Cost of Living in Savannah, GA (2026)
Savannah is one of the South's most distinctive cities, defined by 22 historic squares (Forsyth Park is the most famous), Spanish moss-draped oak trees, and authentic low-country architecture. The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) transformed the city from declining mill town to creative center: 12,000+ SCAD students inject creative energy, and alums have revitalized neighborhoods. Gulfstream Aerospace (Fortune 500 company, builds luxury jets) headquartered here anchors stable, well-paying employment. Tourism is substantial—Forsyth Park, River Street, and historic district draw millions annually.
Housing is moderately expensive for the South: 1BR apartments in the historic district average $1,450/month (tourist-adjacent areas command premium pricing), median homes $330K, utilities ~$170/month. Walkability is high in the historic core (squares, historic district, Forsyth Park area) with walk score 45 reflecting car dependency in outer neighborhoods. The culinary scene reflects low-country culture: shrimp and grits, fried chicken, heritage recipes. SCAD presence supports galleries, design shops, and arts events year-round. The city has genuine cultural identity—not generic Southern sprawl.
Subtropical climate means hot, humid summers (August averages 82°F with 70%+ humidity), mild winters (rarely below freezing), and significant rainfall (52" annually). Hurricane season (June–November) brings tropical storm risk, with historic flooding in the low-lying historic district during major storms. Summer is intense but walkable early morning/evening. Fall and spring are ideal (70–75°F, lower humidity). The year-round growing season supports extensive parks and gardens.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Savannah Cost of Living at a Glance
1BR Monthly Rent
$1,450
avg/month
2BR Monthly Rent
$1,750
avg/month
Median Home Price
$330K
as of 2025
Avg Utilities
$170
per month
Avg Groceries
$390
per person/month
Walk Score
45/100
Transit: 29/100
Compared to US national average
1BR rent: -3% vs. national avg ($1,500)
Home price: -21% vs. national avg ($420K)
Best Neighborhoods in Savannah
Downtown Historic District
Squares, restaurants, tourist hub, expensive. 1BR $1,600–$1,900.
Ardsley Park
Historic Victorian, tree-lined, wealthy. 1BR $1,500–$1,800.
Victorian District
Historic homes, walkable, established families. 1BR $1,450–$1,700.
Starland District
Emerging arts scene, SCAD-adjacent, creative young crowd. 1BR $1,350–$1,600.
Thomas Square
Residential, family-oriented, quieter than historic core. 1BR $1,300–$1,550.
What Nobody Tells You About Savannah
Real trade-offs that most city guides gloss over. Know these before you sign a lease.
Tourist crowds in historic district year-round; peak season (spring, summer) is overwhelming
Summer heat and humidity: 80–90°F with 70%+ humidity June–August
Hurricane and tropical storm risk: June–November brings flooding, especially in historic district
Transit score 29 (very low): limited public transportation; car required outside historic core
Walk score 45: truly walkable only in historic district; most residential neighborhoods require cars
Real estate premium in desirable areas (historic squares, Forsyth Park vicinity)
Job market limited outside tourism, SCAD, aerospace; lower salaries than Northern metros
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the historic district actually walkable?
Yes, but only the historic district proper. 22 squares, Forsyth Park, and River Street are highly walkable with walk scores 70–85. Outer neighborhoods require cars. Transit score 29 means public transportation is minimal—most residents own cars despite the walkable core.
How bad is summer heat?
Summer (June–August) averages 80–90°F with 70%+ humidity. Early morning and evening are pleasant, but midday is oppressive. Air conditioning is essential. Most locals adjust by swimming, visiting air-conditioned venues, and embracing seasonal rhythms.
Is Savannah at risk for hurricanes?
Yes. Hurricane season runs June–November, with tropical storms occurring most years. Major hurricanes are less frequent but possible. The historic district, being low-lying, experiences flooding during storms. This is a genuine climate risk for Savannah residency.
What is SCAD's impact on the city?
SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) with 12,000+ students transformed Savannah from declining mill town to creative hub. Alums stayed, revitalized neighborhoods, opened galleries, restaurants, and design shops. However, rapid gentrification has priced out long-time residents in some areas.
Explore Savannah further
Compare Savannah to other cities
Can you afford Savannah?
Ready to make Savannah feel like home?
Browse cozy interior ideas to make your new place feel cozy from day one.