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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Savannah

Georgia
84

Columbus and Savannah have a similar cost of living.

$1,224/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,302/mo ↑ 6%
$65,327/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$56,782/yr ↓ 13%
$234,500 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$225,200 ↓ 4%
$1,243/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,257/mo ↑ 1%
906,480
Population
147,546

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Savannah, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 84 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $78/month cheaper in Columbus, saving renters about $936/year.

Median household income is $8,545/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $225,200 in Savannah.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

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 83 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Savannah?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Savannah it's $1,302/month — a difference of $78/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Savannah?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $56,782 in Savannah. Median household income is $8,545/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Georgia?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Georgia has 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 83 with median rent of $1,224/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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