Cost of Living: Durham, NC vs Savannah, GA (2026)

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Savannah

Georgia
84

Durham is 25% more expensive than Savannah.

$1,412/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,302/mo ↓ 8%
$79,234/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$56,782/yr ↓ 28%
$355,300 ↑ 58%
Home Value
$225,200 ↓ 37%
$1,434/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,257/mo ↓ 12%
288,465
Population
147,546

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Savannah, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 84 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $110/month cheaper in Savannah, saving renters about $1,320/year.

Median household income is $22,452/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $225,200 in Savannah.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Savannah — common questions

Is Durham or Savannah cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Savannah is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Savannah?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Savannah it's $1,302/month — a difference of $110/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Savannah?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $56,782 in Savannah. Median household income is $22,452/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Georgia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Durham or Savannah?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Savannah details →

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