Quick answer
Savannah costs $605/month less overall ($2,010 vs $2,615/mo). Savannah also has lower state income tax (5.39% vs 9.3%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Long Beach 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
Long Beach vs Savannah at a Glance
| Metric | Long Beach | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $2,050 | $1,750 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $2,650 | $1,750 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $825K | $330K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $165 ✓ | $170 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $400 | $390 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,615 | $2,010 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 76/100 ✓ | 45/100 |
| Transit Score | 72/100 ✓ | 29/100 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 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 $2,050 in Long Beach — a $600/month difference, or $7,200/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Savannah charges 5.39% state income tax vs 9.3% in Long Beach. On an $80K salary that's a $3,128/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $11,160 vs $6,468 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Savannah are $330K vs $825K in Long Beach. At a 20% down payment, that's a $99,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Savannah utilities run $5 more per month than Long Beach.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Long Beach, CA
Long Beach'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
Long Beach
Year-round mild: 60-70°F average. Rarely freezes; minimal rain (12 inches/year). Marine layer mornings (May-August) bring overcast, cool conditions until afternoon clearing.
Savannah
Subtropical: hot, humid summers (80–90°F); mild winters (40–55°F); significant rainfall; hurricane/tropical storm risk June–November
Job Market
Long Beach top industries
Savannah top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Long Beach if…
- →You're a Port/logistics workers
- →You're a People who want beach access without LA's sprawl
- →You're a Artists and creative types seeking community and affordability
- →You're a Anyone wanting California weather without SF or San Diego prices
- →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 Long Beach or Savannah cheaper to live in?
Savannah is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $2,010 in Savannah vs $2,615 in Long Beach — a $605/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Long Beach or Savannah?
Long Beach is more walkable with a Walk Score of 76/100 vs 45/100. Savannah is more car-dependent.
Long Beach vs Savannah: which has lower state income tax?
Savannah has lower state income tax (5.39%). On an $80K salary, that saves $3,128/year vs Long Beach (9.3%).
Is Long Beach or Savannah better for buying a home?
Savannah has lower median home prices at $330K vs $825K in Long Beach — a $495,000 difference on the median home.