Cost of Living: Modesto, CA vs Savannah, GA (2026)

Modesto

California
120
VS

Savannah

Georgia
84

Modesto is 43% more expensive than Savannah.

$1,609/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,302/mo ↓ 19%
$77,899/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$56,782/yr ↓ 27%
$415,600 ↑ 85%
Home Value
$225,200 ↓ 46%
$1,613/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,257/mo ↓ 22%
218,614
Population
147,546

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.49%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Savannah, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 84 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $307/month cheaper in Savannah, saving renters about $3,684/year.

Median household income is $21,117/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $225,200 in Savannah.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Savannah slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Savannah — common questions

Is Modesto or Savannah cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Savannah is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Savannah?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Savannah it's $1,302/month — a difference of $307/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Savannah?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $56,782 in Savannah. Median household income is $21,117/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between California and Georgia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Modesto or Savannah?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Savannah details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Savannah

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Savannah vs. Rockford Savannah vs. Denton Savannah vs. Bridgeport Savannah vs. Syracuse Savannah vs. Pomona Savannah vs. McAllen