Is Savannah, GA cheaper than Charleston, SC?

Based on cost of living data, Savannah, GA is 6.3% cheaper than Charleston, SC. This translates to saving $473 per month.

What salary do I need in Savannah, GA to live like I do in Charleston, SC?

If you earn $150,000 in Charleston, SC, you'd need approximately $144,322.153 in Savannah, GA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA?

Housing in Savannah, GA is 17.5% cheaper than in Charleston, SC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,501/month in Savannah, GA compared to $2,100/month in Charleston, SC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Charleston, SC to Savannah, GA?

Moving from Charleston, SC to Savannah, GA could save you approximately $473 per month, or $5678 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Charleston, SC vs Savannah, GA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Charleston, SC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $473/month moving to Savannah, GA

$150.0K in your current city equals $144.3K in Savannah, GA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Charleston-North Charleston, SC area

Overall Cost

↓ 6.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$473

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.7K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Charleston, SC

Population:155K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$490K

Savannah, GA

Population:148K

Cost Index:

(6% below avg)

Median Home:$390K

Charleston, SC

The Palmetto State

155K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in South Carolina, this city has a population of 155K residents.

Savannah, GA

The Peach State

148K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Georgia, this city has a population of 148K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Charleston, SC vs Savannah, GA

Category	Charleston, SC	Savannah, GA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,325/mo	$1,919/mo	↓ $406less	17.5%
Other	$1,691/mo	$1,567/mo	↓ $124less	7.3%
Healthcare	$617/mo	$560/mo	↓ $56.58less	9.2%
All Utilities	$533/mo	$564/mo	↑ $31.09more	5.8%
Transportation	$1,265/mo	$1,239/mo	↓ $25.94less	2.1%
Groceries	$984/mo	$1,001/mo	↑ $17.16more	1.7%

Housing

↓ 17.5%

Charleston, SC

$2,325

Savannah, GA

$1,919

Difference

$406

less

Other

↓ 7.3%

Charleston, SC

$1,691

Savannah, GA

$1,567

Difference

$124

less

Healthcare

↓ 9.2%

Charleston, SC

$617

Savannah, GA

$560

Difference

$56.58

less

All Utilities

↑ 5.8%

Charleston, SC

$533

Savannah, GA

$564

Difference

$31.09

Transportation

↓ 2.1%

Charleston, SC

$1,265

Savannah, GA

$1,239

Difference

$25.94

less

Groceries

↑ 1.7%

Charleston, SC

$984

Savannah, GA

$1,001

Difference

$17.16

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,831

To$1,300

↓ $531

1 Bed

From$1,915

To$1,370

↓ $545

2 Bed

From$2,100

To$1,501

↓ $599

3 Bed

From$2,610

To$1,997

↓ $613

Charleston, SCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$2,120/mo

Savannah, GAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,290–$1,940/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,414

Monthly in Charleston, SC

$6,850

Monthly in Savannah, GA

$565

Difference

Home Values

Charleston

Savannah

$490K

Median Value

$390K

↓ -0.3%

YoY Change

↓ -2.2%

↑ +55.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +50.8%

$295K - $1.47M

Price Range

$138K - $888K

Homes in Savannah are 20% less expensive than Charleston

Calculate payment - Charleston Calculate payment - Savannah

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$125

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.0%

Rate difference

Charleston, SC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

South Carolina State Tax

Effective: 6.6%

$10.0K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.3%

$47.0K

Take-Home Pay

$8,586/month

$103.0K

Savannah, GA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Georgia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,711/month

$104.5K

Additional Tax Information

Charleston, SC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:0.6%

Savannah, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.