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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $284/month moving to Savannah, GA

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.6K in Savannah, GA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
3.8%
Less expensive
Monthly Impact
$284
Savings
Annual Impact
$3.4K
Per year

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

Macon-Bibb County, GA

Population:157K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$153K

Savannah, GA

Population:148K
Cost Index:
96
(4% below avg)
Median Home:$390K

Macon-Bibb County, GA

The Peach State

157K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Georgia, this city has a population of 157K 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: Macon-Bibb County, GA vs Savannah, GA

Transportation
21.0%
Macon-Bibb County, GA
$1,569
Savannah, GA
$1,239
Difference
$330
less
Housing
7.9%
Macon-Bibb County, GA
$2,084
Savannah, GA
$1,919
Difference
$166
less
Other
8.1%
Macon-Bibb County, GA
$1,705
Savannah, GA
$1,567
Difference
$138
less
All Utilities
7.4%
Macon-Bibb County, GA
$609
Savannah, GA
$564
Difference
$45.04
less
Healthcare
4.6%
Macon-Bibb County, GA
$535
Savannah, GA
$560
Difference
$24.60
more
Groceries
0.3%
Macon-Bibb County, GA
$999
Savannah, GA
$1,001
Difference
$2.61
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$704
To$1,300
$596
1 Bed
From$813
To$1,370
$557
2 Bed
From$975
To$1,501
$526
3 Bed
From$1,301
To$1,997
$696
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.

$7,502
Monthly in Macon-Bibb County, GA
$6,850
Monthly in Savannah, GA
$652
Difference

Home Values

Macon-Bibb County
Savannah
-
Median Value
$390K
-
YoY Change
↓ -2.2%
-
5-Year Change
↑ +50.8%
-
Price Range
$138K - $888K

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$0
Same taxes
Monthly Difference
$0
Same take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.0%
Rate difference

Macon-Bibb County, 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

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

Macon-Bibb County, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%
Property Tax:0.9%

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.

Environment

Macon-Bibb County
Savannah
49 Good
Air Quality
50 Good
52.7%
Good Air Days
51.9%
82 Moderate
Climate Risk
97 High
None
Top Hazards
🌊🌅🌀
+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
+2.3°F
64 days
Heat Days >95°F
36 days
+2.8°F
2050 Outlook
+2.3°F
64 days
Heat Days >95°F
36 days

What to Consider When Moving from Macon-Bibb County, GA to Savannah, GA

Relocating from Macon-Bibb County, GA to Savannah, GA involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is about 4% lower in Savannah, GA, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Savannah, GA is 8% cheaper than in Macon-Bibb County, GA. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Savannah, GA pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Savannah, GA to match your current standard of living in Macon-Bibb County, GA.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general “feel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Savannah, GA for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Macon-Bibb County, GA vs Savannah, GA

Is Savannah, GA cheaper than Macon-Bibb County, GA?

Yes, Savannah, GA is about 3.8% cheaper than Macon-Bibb County, GA. You could save approximately $284/month on a $150,000 salary. Housing costs are 8% lower in Savannah, GA.

What salary do I need in Savannah, GA to match my lifestyle in Macon-Bibb County, GA?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Macon-Bibb County, GA, you would need approximately $146,588 in Savannah, GA to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Macon-Bibb County, GA and Savannah, GA?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $975/month in Macon-Bibb County, GA compared to $1,501/month in Savannah, GA. One-bedroom apartments are $813/month in Macon-Bibb County, GA vs $1,370/month in Savannah, GA. These are area-wide medians — specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Macon-Bibb County, GA or Savannah, GA?

Grocery prices are very similar between Macon-Bibb County, GA and Savannah, GA, with less than 1% difference. Your food budget would stay about the same.

What is the best time to move from Macon-Bibb County, GA to Savannah, GA?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

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