Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs Savannah, GA (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Savannah

Georgia
84

Rochester is 27% cheaper than Savannah.

$1,039/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,302/mo ↑ 25%
$46,628/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$56,782/yr ↑ 22%
$120,600 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$225,200 ↑ 87%
$1,009/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,257/mo ↑ 25%
209,720
Population
147,546

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Savannah, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 84 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $263/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $3,156/year.

Median household income is $10,154/year higher in Savannah. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $225,200 in Savannah.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Savannah — common questions

Is Rochester or Savannah cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Savannah?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Savannah it's $1,302/month — a difference of $263/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Savannah?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $56,782 in Savannah. Median household income is $10,154/year higher in Savannah.
How do taxes compare between New York and Georgia?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Savannah?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/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 Rochester details → View Savannah details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rochester and Savannah

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