Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Savannah, GA (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Savannah

Georgia
84

Salem is 25% more expensive than Savannah.

$1,323/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,302/mo ↓ 2%
$71,900/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$56,782/yr ↓ 21%
$382,400 ↑ 70%
Home Value
$225,200 ↓ 41%
$1,440/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,257/mo ↓ 13%
176,666
Population
147,546

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
5.49%
0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Savannah, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 84 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $15,118/year higher in Salem. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $225,200 in Savannah.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Savannah — common questions

Is Salem 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 Salem and Savannah?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Savannah it's $1,302/month — a difference of $21/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Savannah?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $56,782 in Savannah. Median household income is $15,118/year higher in Salem.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Georgia?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Savannah?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/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 Salem details → View Savannah details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salem and Savannah

Salem vs. Cary Salem vs. Rancho Cucamonga Salem vs. Santa Rosa Salem vs. Oceanside Salem vs. Elk Grove Salem vs. Clarksville Savannah vs. Rockford Savannah vs. Denton Savannah vs. Bridgeport Savannah vs. Syracuse Savannah vs. Pomona Savannah vs. McAllen