Is Charleston, SC cheaper than Savannah, GA?

Based on cost of living data, Charleston, SC is 6.7% more expensive than Savannah, GA. This translates to spending an extra $505 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Savannah, GA, you'd need approximately $156,060.166 in Charleston, SC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Charleston, SC is 21.2% more expensive than in Savannah, GA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,100/month in Charleston, SC compared to $1,501/month in Savannah, GA.

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

Living in Charleston, SC costs approximately $505 more per month than Savannah, GA, or $6060 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Savannah, GA vs Charleston, SC: 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 Savannah, GA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $505/month more in Charleston, SC

$150.0K in your current city equals $156.1K in Charleston, SC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 6.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$505

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$6.1K

Per year

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

Savannah, GA

Population:148K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$390K

Charleston, SC

Population:155K

Cost Index:

107

(7% above avg)

Median Home:$490K

Savannah, GA

The Peach State

148K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Charleston, SC

The Palmetto State

155K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Savannah, GA vs Charleston, SC

Category	Savannah, GA	Charleston, SC	Difference	Change
Housing	$1,919/mo	$2,325/mo	↑ $406more	21.2%
Other	$1,567/mo	$1,691/mo	↑ $124more	7.9%
Healthcare	$560/mo	$617/mo	↑ $56.58more	10.1%
All Utilities	$564/mo	$533/mo	↓ $31.09less	5.5%
Transportation	$1,239/mo	$1,265/mo	↑ $25.94more	2.1%
Groceries	$1,001/mo	$984/mo	↓ $17.16less	1.7%

Housing

↑ 21.2%

Savannah, GA

$1,919

Charleston, SC

$2,325

Difference

$406

Other

↑ 7.9%

Savannah, GA

$1,567

Charleston, SC

$1,691

Difference

$124

Healthcare

↑ 10.1%

Savannah, GA

$560

Charleston, SC

$617

Difference

$56.58

All Utilities

↓ 5.5%

Savannah, GA

$564

Charleston, SC

$533

Difference

$31.09

less

Transportation

↑ 2.1%

Savannah, GA

$1,239

Charleston, SC

$1,265

Difference

$25.94

Groceries

↓ 1.7%

Savannah, GA

$1,001

Charleston, SC

$984

Difference

$17.16

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,300

To$1,831

↑ $531

1 Bed

From$1,370

To$1,915

↑ $545

2 Bed

From$1,501

To$2,100

↑ $599

3 Bed

From$1,997

To$2,610

↑ $613

Savannah, GAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,290–$1,940/mo

Charleston, SCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$2,120/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.

$6,850

Monthly in Savannah, GA

$7,414

Monthly in Charleston, SC

$565

Difference

Home Values

Savannah

Charleston

$390K

Median Value

$490K

↓ -2.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.3%

↑ +50.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +55.7%

$138K - $888K

Price Range

$295K - $1.47M

Homes in Charleston are 26% more expensive than Savannah

Calculate payment - Savannah Calculate payment - Charleston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $1.5K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$125

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.0%

Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Savannah, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%

Property Tax:0.9%

Charleston, SC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.