Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Savannah, GA (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Savannah

Georgia
84

Richmond is 17% more expensive than Savannah.

$1,314/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,302/mo ≈ Same
$62,671/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$56,782/yr ↓ 9%
$328,100 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$225,200 ↓ 31%
$1,374/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,257/mo ↓ 9%
227,595
Population
147,546

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Savannah, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 84 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $5,889/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $225,200 in Savannah.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Savannah — common questions

Is Richmond or Savannah cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Savannah is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Savannah?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Savannah it's $1,302/month — a difference of $12/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Savannah?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $56,782 in Savannah. Median household income is $5,889/year higher in Richmond.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Georgia?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Richmond or Savannah?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Savannah details →

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