Quick answer
Raleigh costs $35/month less overall ($1,975 vs $2,010/mo). Raleigh also has lower state income tax (4.5% vs 5.39%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Raleigh 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
Raleigh vs Savannah at a Glance
| Metric | Raleigh | Savannah |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,480 | $1,750 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,860 | $1,750 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $420K | $330K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $145 ✓ | $170 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $350 ✓ | $390 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,975 ✓ | $2,010 |
| Walk Score | 34/100 | 45/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 25/100 | 29/100 ✓ |
| State Income Tax | 4.5% ✓ | 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: Raleigh's 1BR averages $1,450/month vs $1,480 in Savannah — a $30/month difference, or $360/year. That's close enough that neighborhood choice within each city matters more than the city-level average.
State tax: Raleigh charges 4.5% state income tax vs 5.39% in Savannah. On an $80K salary that's a $712/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $6,468 vs $5,400 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Savannah are $330K vs $420K in Raleigh. At a 20% down payment, that's a $18,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Savannah utilities run $25 more per month than Raleigh.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Raleigh, NC
Car ownership is effectively mandatory in Raleigh. Budget $400–600/month for a car if you don't own one.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Savannah, GA
Savannah is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Raleigh
Four mild seasons; hot humid summers (heat index 100–105°F in July), light winters, excellent spring and fall
Savannah
Subtropical: hot, humid summers (80–90°F); mild winters (40–55°F); significant rainfall; hurricane/tropical storm risk June–November
Job Market
Raleigh top industries
Savannah top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Raleigh if…
- →You're a tech workers
- →You're a biotech / pharma professionals
- →You're a researchers
- →You're a young families
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 Raleigh or Savannah cheaper to live in?
Raleigh is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,975 in Raleigh vs $2,010 in Savannah — a $35/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Raleigh or Savannah?
Savannah is more walkable with a Walk Score of 45/100 vs 34/100. Raleigh is more car-dependent.
Raleigh vs Savannah: which has lower state income tax?
Raleigh has lower state income tax (4.5%). On an $80K salary, that saves $712/year vs Savannah (5.39%).
Is Raleigh or Savannah better for buying a home?
Savannah has lower median home prices at $330K vs $420K in Raleigh — a $90,000 difference on the median home.