Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Savannah, GA (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Savannah

Georgia
84

Detroit is 37% cheaper than Savannah.

$1,034/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,302/mo ↑ 26%
$39,575/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$56,782/yr ↑ 43%
$76,800 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$225,200 ↑ 193%
$868/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,257/mo ↑ 45%
636,644
Population
147,546

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Savannah, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 84 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $268/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $3,216/year.

Median household income is $17,207/year higher in Savannah. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $225,200 in Savannah.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Detroit slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Savannah — common questions

Is Detroit or Savannah cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Savannah?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Savannah it's $1,302/month — a difference of $268/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Savannah?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $56,782 in Savannah. Median household income is $17,207/year higher in Savannah.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Georgia?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Savannah?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/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 Detroit details → View Savannah details →

More Comparisons

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