Quick answer
Savannah costs $190/month less overall ($2,010 vs $2,200/mo). But Tampa's None state income tax erases some of that gap — on an $80K salary, the tax difference is $4,312/year.
City Comparison · 2026
Savannah vs Tampa
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 Tampa at a Glance
| Metric | Savannah | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,450 ✓ | $2,100 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,750 ✓ | $2,100 |
| Median Home Price | $330K ✓ | $390K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $170 ✓ | $175 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $390 | $345 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,010 ✓ | $2,200 |
| Walk Score | 45/100 | 52/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 29/100 | 34/100 ✓ |
| 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: Savannah's 1BR averages $1,450/month vs $1,680 in Tampa — a $230/month difference, or $2,760/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Tampa 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 $390K in Tampa. At a 20% down payment, that's a $12,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Tampa utilities run $5 more per month than Savannah.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Savannah, GA
Savannah is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Tampa, FL
Tampa is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Savannah
Subtropical: hot, humid summers (80–90°F); mild winters (40–55°F); significant rainfall; hurricane/tropical storm risk June–November
Tampa
Subtropical: hot humid summers (June–Oct, lightning capital of the US); warm dry winters (60s–70s°F)
Job Market
Savannah top industries
Tampa 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 Tampa if…
- →You're a healthcare workers
- →You're a remote workers
- →You're a beach lifestyle seekers
- →You're a retirees
- →You want zero state income tax
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Savannah or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Savannah is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $2,010 in Savannah vs $2,200 in Tampa — a $190/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Savannah or Tampa?
Tampa is more walkable with a Walk Score of 52/100 vs 45/100. Savannah is more car-dependent.
Savannah vs Tampa: which has lower state income tax?
Tampa has lower state income tax (None). On an $80K salary, that saves $4,312/year vs Savannah (5.39%).
Is Savannah or Tampa better for buying a home?
Savannah has lower median home prices at $330K vs $390K in Tampa — a $60,000 difference on the median home.