Quick answer
Des Moines costs $320/month less overall ($1,690 vs $2,010/mo). Des Moines also has lower state income tax (4.82% vs 5.39%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Des Moines 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
Des Moines vs Savannah at a Glance
| Metric | Des Moines | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,150 ✓ | $1,750 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,350 ✓ | $1,750 |
| Median Home Price | $245K ✓ | $330K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $170 ✓ | $170 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $370 ✓ | $390 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,690 ✓ | $2,010 |
| Walk Score | 45/100 ✓ | 45/100 |
| Transit Score | 29/100 ✓ | 29/100 |
| State Income Tax | 4.82% ✓ | 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: Des Moines's 1BR averages $1,150/month vs $1,450 in Savannah — a $300/month difference, or $3,600/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Des Moines charges 4.82% state income tax vs 5.39% in Savannah. On an $80K salary that's a $472/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $6,468 vs $5,760 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Des Moines are $245K vs $330K in Savannah. At a 20% down payment, that's a $17,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Utilities are essentially equal between both cities at $170/month.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines 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
Des Moines
Cold winters with wind chills reaching -20°F; warm summers; defined seasons.
Savannah
Subtropical: hot, humid summers (80–90°F); mild winters (40–55°F); significant rainfall; hurricane/tropical storm risk June–November
Job Market
Des Moines top industries
Savannah top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Des Moines if…
- →You're a Insurance and financial services professionals
- →You're a Families seeking excellent schools and safety
- →You're a Anyone valuing Midwestern hospitality and community
- →You're a Young professionals interested in startup culture
- →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 Des Moines or Savannah cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,690 in Des Moines vs $2,010 in Savannah — a $320/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Des Moines or Savannah?
Savannah is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45/100 vs 45/100. Des Moines is more car-dependent.
Des Moines vs Savannah: which has lower state income tax?
Des Moines has lower state income tax (4.82%). On an $80K salary, that saves $472/year vs Savannah (5.39%).
Is Des Moines or Savannah better for buying a home?
Des Moines has lower median home prices at $245K vs $330K in Savannah — a $85,000 difference on the median home.