Quick answer
Savannah costs $300/month less overall ($2,010 vs $2,310/mo). Savannah also has lower state income tax (5.39% vs 6.4%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Charleston 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: October 13, 2026
Charleston vs Savannah at a Glance
| Metric | Charleston | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,750 | $1,750 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $2,250 | $1,750 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $510K | $330K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $165 ✓ | $170 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $395 | $390 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,310 | $2,010 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 45/100 ✓ | 45/100 |
| Transit Score | 25/100 | 29/100 ✓ |
| State Income Tax | 6.4% | 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 $1,750 in Charleston — a $300/month difference, or $3,600/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Savannah charges 5.39% state income tax vs 6.4% in Charleston. On an $80K salary that's a $808/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $7,680 vs $6,468 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Savannah are $330K vs $510K in Charleston. At a 20% down payment, that's a $36,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Savannah utilities run $5 more per month than Charleston.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Charleston, SC
Charleston is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Savannah, GA
Savannah is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Charleston
Hot, humid summers (88–92°F); mild winters (50–65°F); spring and fall are perfect; November–March is dry; hurricane season (August–October) brings flooding and storm surge risk, especially Downtown and West Ashley
Savannah
Subtropical: hot, humid summers (80–90°F); mild winters (40–55°F); significant rainfall; hurricane/tropical storm risk June–November
Job Market
Charleston top industries
Savannah top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Charleston if…
- →You're a aerospace engineers
- →You're a people who love Southern culture and history
- →You're a outdoor enthusiasts
- →You're a families seeking affordability + walkability
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 Charleston or Savannah cheaper to live in?
Savannah is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $2,010 in Savannah vs $2,310 in Charleston — a $300/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Charleston or Savannah?
Savannah is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45/100 vs 45/100. Charleston is more car-dependent.
Charleston vs Savannah: which has lower state income tax?
Savannah has lower state income tax (5.39%). On an $80K salary, that saves $808/year vs Charleston (6.4%).
Is Charleston or Savannah better for buying a home?
Savannah has lower median home prices at $330K vs $510K in Charleston — a $180,000 difference on the median home.