Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Savannah, GA (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Savannah

Georgia
84

Cary is 61% more expensive than Savannah.

$1,621/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,302/mo ↓ 20%
$129,399/yr ↑ 128%
Median Income
$56,782/yr ↓ 56%
$525,200 ↑ 133%
Home Value
$225,200 ↓ 57%
$1,744/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,257/mo ↓ 28%
176,686
Population
147,546

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Savannah, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 84 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $319/month cheaper in Savannah, saving renters about $3,828/year.

Median household income is $72,617/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $225,200 in Savannah.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Savannah — common questions

Is Cary or Savannah cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Savannah is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Savannah?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Savannah it's $1,302/month — a difference of $319/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Savannah?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $56,782 in Savannah. Median household income is $72,617/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Georgia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Savannah?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/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 Cary details → View Savannah details →

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