Quick answer
Sioux Falls costs $420/month less overall ($1,590 vs $2,010/mo). Sioux Falls also has lower state income tax (None vs 5.39%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Savannah vs Sioux Falls
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
Savannah vs Sioux Falls at a Glance
| Metric | Savannah | Sioux Falls |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,450 | $1,450 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,750 | $1,450 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $330K ✓ | $410K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $170 | $130 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $390 | $310 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,010 | $1,590 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 45/100 | 60/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 29/100 | 30/100 ✓ |
| State Income Tax | 5.39% | None ✓ |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Sioux Falls'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: Sioux Falls charges None state income tax vs 5.39% in Savannah. On an $80K salary that's a $4,312/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $6,468 vs $0 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Savannah are $330K vs $410K in Sioux Falls. At a 20% down payment, that's a $16,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Savannah utilities run $40 more per month than Sioux Falls. Factor this into your all-in monthly budget.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Savannah, GA
Savannah is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Sioux Falls, SD
Sioux Falls's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Savannah
Subtropical: hot, humid summers (80–90°F); mild winters (40–55°F); significant rainfall; hurricane/tropical storm risk June–November
Sioux Falls
Cold continental with brutally cold winters (-10°F average, 40+ inches snow), short warm summers (80°F), and extreme weather variability. Spring brings severe thunderstorms and hail.
Job Market
Savannah top industries
Sioux Falls top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
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
Move to Sioux Falls if…
- →You're a Banking and finance professionals
- →You're a Healthcare workers
- →You're a Families with young children
- →You're a Remote workers seeking low costs and stability
- →You want zero state income tax
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Savannah or Sioux Falls cheaper to live in?
Sioux Falls is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,590 in Sioux Falls vs $2,010 in Savannah — a $420/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Savannah or Sioux Falls?
Sioux Falls is more walkable with a Walk Score of 60/100 vs 45/100. Savannah is more car-dependent.
Savannah vs Sioux Falls: which has lower state income tax?
Sioux Falls has lower state income tax (None). On an $80K salary, that saves $4,312/year vs Savannah (5.39%).
Is Savannah or Sioux Falls better for buying a home?
Savannah has lower median home prices at $330K vs $410K in Sioux Falls — a $80,000 difference on the median home.