Cost of Living: Columbus, GA vs Savannah, GA (2026)

Columbus

Georgia
69
VS

Savannah

Georgia
84

Columbus is 18% cheaper than Savannah.

$1,072/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,302/mo ↑ 21%
$56,622/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$56,782/yr ≈ Same
$182,300 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$225,200 ↑ 24%
$1,064/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,257/mo ↑ 18%
204,383
Population
147,546

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, GA and Savannah, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 84 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $230/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $2,760/year.

Median household income is $160/year higher in Savannah. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $182,300 compared to $225,200 in Savannah.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Georgia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Savannah — common questions

Is Columbus or Savannah cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Savannah?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,072/month and in Savannah it's $1,302/month — a difference of $230/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Savannah?
Median household income is $56,622 in Columbus and $56,782 in Savannah. Median household income is $160/year higher in Savannah.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Georgia?
Both cities are in Georgia and share the same state tax rates: 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Savannah?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,072/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 Columbus details → View Savannah details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Savannah

Columbus vs. Worcester Columbus vs. Salt Lake City Columbus vs. Cape Coral Columbus vs. Little Rock Columbus vs. Yonkers Columbus vs. McKinney Savannah vs. Rockford Savannah vs. Denton Savannah vs. Bridgeport Savannah vs. Syracuse Savannah vs. Pomona Savannah vs. McAllen