Quick answer
Greenville costs $275/month less overall ($1,735 vs $2,010/mo). But Savannah's 5.39% state income tax erases some of that gap — on an $80K salary, the tax difference is $808/year.
City Comparison · 2026
Greenville 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
Greenville vs Savannah at a Glance
| Metric | Greenville | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,250 ✓ | $1,750 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,550 ✓ | $1,750 |
| Median Home Price | $385K | $330K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $145 ✓ | $170 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $340 ✓ | $390 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,735 ✓ | $2,010 |
| Walk Score | 68/100 ✓ | 45/100 |
| Transit Score | 38/100 ✓ | 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: Greenville's 1BR averages $1,250/month vs $1,450 in Savannah — a $200/month difference, or $2,400/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Savannah charges 5.39% state income tax vs 6.4% in Greenville. 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 $385K in Greenville. At a 20% down payment, that's a $11,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Savannah utilities run $25 more per month than Greenville.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Greenville, SC
Greenville'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
Greenville
Hot, humid summers with temperatures reaching 90°F; mild winters with occasional freezing. Average 50 inches of rainfall annually.
Savannah
Subtropical: hot, humid summers (80–90°F); mild winters (40–55°F); significant rainfall; hurricane/tropical storm risk June–November
Job Market
Greenville top industries
Savannah top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Greenville if…
- →You're a Young professionals
- →You're a Outdoor enthusiasts
- →You're a Manufacturing sector workers
- →You're a Remote workers seeking affordability
- →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 Greenville or Savannah cheaper to live in?
Greenville is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,735 in Greenville vs $2,010 in Savannah — a $275/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Greenville or Savannah?
Greenville is more walkable with a Walk Score of 68/100 vs 45/100. Savannah is more car-dependent.
Greenville 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 Greenville (6.4%).
Is Greenville or Savannah better for buying a home?
Savannah has lower median home prices at $330K vs $385K in Greenville — a $55,000 difference on the median home.