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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Savannah

Georgia
84

Raleigh is 31% more expensive than Savannah.

$1,468/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,302/mo ↓ 11%
$82,424/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$56,782/yr ↓ 31%
$377,800 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$225,200 ↓ 40%
$1,487/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,257/mo ↓ 15%
470,763
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 Raleigh, NC and Savannah, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 84 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $166/month cheaper in Savannah, saving renters about $1,992/year.

Median household income is $25,642/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $225,200 in Savannah.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Savannah — common questions

Is Raleigh or Savannah cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Savannah is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Savannah?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Savannah it's $1,302/month — a difference of $166/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Savannah?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $56,782 in Savannah. Median household income is $25,642/year higher in Raleigh.
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 Raleigh or Savannah?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Savannah details →

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