Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Savannah, GA (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Savannah

Georgia
84

Birmingham is 26% cheaper than Savannah.

$1,047/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,302/mo ↑ 24%
$44,376/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$56,782/yr ↑ 28%
$138,600 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$225,200 ↑ 62%
$991/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,257/mo ↑ 27%
199,322
Population
147,546

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.41%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Savannah, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 84 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $255/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $3,060/year.

Median household income is $12,406/year higher in Savannah. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $225,200 in Savannah.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Birmingham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Savannah — common questions

Is Birmingham or Savannah cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Savannah?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Savannah it's $1,302/month — a difference of $255/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Savannah?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $56,782 in Savannah. Median household income is $12,406/year higher in Savannah.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Georgia?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Savannah?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/mo, while Savannah has a cost index of 84 with rent of $1,302/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Birmingham details → View Savannah details →

More Comparisons

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Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery Savannah vs. Rockford Savannah vs. Denton Savannah vs. Bridgeport Savannah vs. Syracuse Savannah vs. Pomona Savannah vs. McAllen