Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Savannah, GA (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Savannah

Georgia
84

Chicago is 19% more expensive than Savannah.

$1,380/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,302/mo ↓ 6%
$75,134/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$56,782/yr ↓ 24%
$315,200 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$225,200 ↓ 29%
$1,502/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,257/mo ↓ 16%
2,707,648
Population
147,546

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Savannah, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 84 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $78/month cheaper in Savannah, saving renters about $936/year.

Median household income is $18,352/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $225,200 in Savannah.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Savannah — common questions

Is Chicago or Savannah cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Savannah is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Savannah?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Savannah it's $1,302/month — a difference of $78/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Savannah?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $56,782 in Savannah. Median household income is $18,352/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Georgia?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Savannah?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Savannah details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Savannah

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