Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Savannah, GA (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Savannah

Georgia
84

Charleston is 52% more expensive than Savannah.

$1,632/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,302/mo ↓ 20%
$90,038/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$56,782/yr ↓ 37%
$469,100 ↑ 108%
Home Value
$225,200 ↓ 52%
$1,688/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,257/mo ↓ 26%
152,014
Population
147,546

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 84 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $330/month cheaper in Savannah, saving renters about $3,960/year.

Median household income is $33,256/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $225,200 in Savannah.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Savannah slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Savannah — common questions

Is Charleston or Savannah cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Savannah is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Savannah?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Savannah it's $1,302/month — a difference of $330/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Savannah?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $56,782 in Savannah. Median household income is $33,256/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Georgia?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Savannah?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/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.
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More Comparisons

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