Quick answer
Fayetteville costs $540/month less overall ($1,470 vs $2,010/mo). Fayetteville also has lower state income tax (4.4% vs 5.39%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Fayetteville 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
Fayetteville vs Savannah at a Glance
| Metric | Fayetteville | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,050 ✓ | $1,750 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,300 ✓ | $1,750 |
| Median Home Price | $380K | $330K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $120 ✓ | $170 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $300 ✓ | $390 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,470 ✓ | $2,010 |
| Walk Score | 65/100 ✓ | 45/100 |
| Transit Score | 35/100 ✓ | 29/100 |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% ✓ | 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: Fayetteville's 1BR averages $1,050/month vs $1,450 in Savannah — a $400/month difference, or $4,800/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Fayetteville charges 4.4% state income tax vs 5.39% in Savannah. On an $80K salary that's a $792/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $6,468 vs $5,280 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Savannah are $330K vs $380K in Fayetteville. At a 20% down payment, that's a $10,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Savannah utilities run $50 more per month than Fayetteville.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Fayetteville, AR
Fayetteville'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
Fayetteville
Humid subtropical with warm summers (88°F average), mild winters (40°F average), and high spring tornado risk. Annual precipitation 49 inches.
Savannah
Subtropical: hot, humid summers (80–90°F); mild winters (40–55°F); significant rainfall; hurricane/tropical storm risk June–November
Job Market
Fayetteville top industries
Savannah top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Fayetteville if…
- →You're a Tech workers and software engineers
- →You're a Walmart employees
- →You're a Families seeking good schools
- →You're a Outdoor enthusiasts (hiking, biking)
- →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 Fayetteville or Savannah cheaper to live in?
Fayetteville is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,470 in Fayetteville vs $2,010 in Savannah — a $540/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Fayetteville or Savannah?
Fayetteville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 65/100 vs 45/100. Savannah is more car-dependent.
Fayetteville vs Savannah: which has lower state income tax?
Fayetteville has lower state income tax (4.4%). On an $80K salary, that saves $792/year vs Savannah (5.39%).
Is Fayetteville or Savannah better for buying a home?
Savannah has lower median home prices at $330K vs $380K in Fayetteville — a $50,000 difference on the median home.